Paska Bread
Description
Paska is an Eastern European bread made with yeast dough and enriched with eggs, butter, sugar, and lemon zest for a light, fluffy Easter treat.
Ingredients
•
2 (1/4 ounce) packages active dry yeast
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1/2 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
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1/2 cup white sugar
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3 cups warm milk
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4 cups all-purpose flour
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6 eggs, beaten
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1/2 cup white sugar
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1 cup butter, softened
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
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12 cups all-purpose flour
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1 egg
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1 tablespoon water
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2 tablespoons butter, melted
Directions
1
Proof yeast in 1/2 cup warm water in a large bowl until slightly frothy, about 5 to 10 minutes.
2
Meanwhile, dissolve 1/2 cup sugar in warm milk; allow to cool to lukewarm. Once cooled, add milk mixture to yeast mixture along with 4 cups of flour. Mix well with a wooden spoon. Cover and put in a dark, warm place until the mixture is bubbly and doubled in size, about 2 hours.
3
Stir in beaten eggs, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 cup butter, salt, and lemon zest until well blended. Gradually add remaining flour, one cup at a time, to form a very soft dough.
4
Knead dough on a floured board until soft and elastic, about 10 minutes. Place dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and allow to rise in a warm place until doubled, about 2 hours. Punch dough down, and allow to rise again for 30 minutes.
5
Divide dough into three parts and shape into slightly rounded loaves, and place on greased baking sheets. Let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Beat 1 egg with 1 tablespoon water; brush onto loaves.
6
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
7
Bake in preheated oven until loaves are deep golden brown, 45 to 50 minutes. Once they are done, brush the tops with melted butter for a soft crust.