traditions ...

live on. my mom used to make this yummy sweet bread every easter. i remember slathering butter and apricot jam on it or even better nutella and wanting more and more wishing she would make it more often.
now living worlds apart it has become a tradition for me to bake this easter bread. [ could of course be made and enjoyed anytime of the year]
so mom, this one's for you <3 xoxo  HAPPY EASTER!

2/3 cup whole milk
5 tablespoons sugar
1 1/3 teaspoons dry yeast
2 large eggs [room temperature]
2 3/4 cups unbleached  all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter [=1 stick] , cut into pieces [room temp] plus 1/2 tablespoon melted

large baking sheet
parchment paper
[absolutely optional hard boiled colored eggs]*

heat milk in a small pot to about 110 F- 115F .
transfer milk into a bowl & add 1 tablespoon of sugar and sprinkle dry yeast on top and stir.
let stand for about 5 min until yeast is foamy.
now add eggs and stir again until mixture is smooth.

combine remaining sugar, flour and salt in a bowl and start combining egg/milk mixture into it with dough / kneading hooks on mixer.
slowly add butter 1 piece at a time until very well blended [about 5 min].
dough should be soft and smooth.

brush another bowl with melted butter.
place dough inside bowl and brush dough with remaining butter.
cover with plastic foil or preferably a kitchen towel place in a draft free warm spot and let rise to double it's size for about 1 -1 1/2 hours.

prep baking sheet with parchment paper

once the dough has risen take out of bowl on a lightly floured surface
and divide into three equal pieces.
lightly flour hands and roll each piece into a rope
placing each side by side lengthwise on prepped baking sheet.
pinch the top end together and braid
pinch bottom ends together to secure [ braid should be about 12 inches long]
* place dyed hard boiled eggs evenly between braids

cover with a kitchen towel or plastic foil let rise in a draft free warm place for another 30-45 minutes
preheat oven to 375F

brush dough all over with an egg wash or milk
place into middle rack in oven and bake for about 30 - 45 min.

Happy Easter!