Downtown Anthropologist Paska Ukrainian Easter Bread from downanthro.blogspot.com
Description
Paska is a traditional Ukrainian Easter bread that is usually made in a round shape with a cross or other religious symbols on the top. It is a sweet bread that is enriched with eggs, butter, and milk, and flavored with vanilla and sometimes raisins.
Prep Time
Preparation for Paska usually takes around 30 minutes depending on the skill level of the baker. The dough needs to be allowed to rise twice, which can take up to 3 hours.
Cook Time
The Paska bread needs to be baked for about 45 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk - 1/2 cup sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 4 eggs - 4 cups all-purpose flour - 1 package active dry yeast - 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl - Measuring cups and spoons - Electric mixer - Wooden spoon - Pastry brush - Parchment paper - Baking sheet - Oven
Method
1. Warm the milk in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the sugar and butter, and stir until the butter is melted. Remove from heat and let cool until lukewarm. 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the lukewarm milk mixture, salt, vanilla extract, and eggs. Beat with an electric mixer until well combined. 3. Add the flour and yeast to the mixing bowl and stir with a wooden spoon until the dough comes together. 4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. 5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size. 6. Punch down the dough and knead again for a few minutes. 7. If desired, mix in the raisins at this point. 8. Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. 9. Cover the loaf with a clean cloth and let it rise for another 1-2 hours. 10. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). 11. Brush the top of the loaf with beaten egg. 12. Bake the Paska bread for 45 minutes until golden brown. 13. Cool the bread on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- Paska is traditionally eaten on Easter Sunday in Ukraine. - To make a cross on top of the bread, use a sharp knife to score the dough before baking. - This recipe can be easily adapted to include other flavors such as lemon zest or almond extract.
Nutrition Info
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of the loaf) - Calories: 255 - Total Fat: 9g - Saturated Fat: 5g - Cholesterol: 80mg - Sodium: 130mg - Total Carbohydrate: 38g - Dietary Fiber: 1g - Sugars: 11g - Protein: 6g
Recipes FAQ
Can I use a bread machine to make Paska?
Yes, you can use a bread machine to make the dough for Paska. Simply add the ingredients to the machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer, and set it to the dough cycle. Once the dough is ready, proceed with shaping and baking as directed in the recipe.
Can I freeze Paska?
Yes, Paska can be frozen. Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Recipe Tips
- Make sure the milk mixture is not too hot or it will kill the yeast. - Use a warm place to let the dough rise, such as an oven with the light turned on or a warm spot in the sun. - To prevent the raisins from sinking to the bottom of the bread, toss them in flour before adding them to the dough.
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