Polish Easter Bread
Apr 16th, 2003, 09:02am, Posted by Marlaoh
1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
8 cups all-purpose flour
3 eggs
4 eggs, separated
1 cup white sugar
2 cups milk
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
1 cup butter, melted
1 cup raisins
In a small mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Let stand until
creamy, about 10 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the yeast mixture, 2 cups of the flour, the whole eggs,
egg yolks, sugar, milk and orange zest; mix well. Add the remaining flour, 1 cup
at a time, until the dough comes together. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured
surface and knead until smooth and supple, about 5 minutes.
Flatten the dough out with your hands and smear 1/3 cup of the butter on the
dough. Fold up the dough and knead gently to incorporate the butter into the
dough. Repeat this twice until all of the butter is incorporated. Use the same
method to incorporate the raisins.
Lightly oil a large mixing bowl. Place the dough in the bowl and turn the dough
to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let stand in a warm place until
doubled in volume; about 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F(175 degrees C).
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide into two equal size
pieces. Form each piece into a loaf and place them in two lightly greased 9x5
inch loaf pans. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise until doubled, about 40
minutes.
Brush the tops of the loaves with egg whites and bake at 350 degrees F(175
degrees C) until the top of the loaves are golden and the bottom of the loaves
sound hollow when tapped, about 30 to 40 minutes.
Makes 2 loaves
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