Saturday, April 3, 2010

Paska Bread


Easter means paska for my extended family. Paska is a soft and eggy sweet bread similar to brioche. Traditionally it is baked in the round topped with icing and colorful nonpareils (my sister in law does it this way) but we like it spread with a bit of butter and sprinkled with sugar.

Paska Bread
Makes 4 to 5 loaves depending on size

2 packages dry yeast
1 cup lukewarm water
sprinkling of sugar

Dissolve yeast and sugar in water, let sit at least 10 minutes for yeast to develop.

2 cups milk
1/2 cup butter
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
6-8 eggs (depending on size), beaten well
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
6-8 cups flour

Scald milk, add butter and cool to lukewarm. Add sugar to eggs, beat thoroughly and add to warm milk. Add yeast mixture as well as vanilla extract and salt. Add enough flour to make a smooth dough, knead well.

Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled (about 2 hours). When dough is light, shape as desired (braid or place in coffee can or honey pot as traditionally done). Let rise again until light (about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 hours).

Bake at 350 for about 20 minutes. We spread slices with butter and a light sprinkling of sugar.
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5 comments:

  1. Yummy.

    I think making bread is a disease, I've always got to be making one and if I am not, planning on making one! This one looks yummy and sweet!

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  2. Between this and the chocolate pudding post, I am now officially hungry. Thanks, Mama Bear!

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  3. I gotta say- I want your bread! Like right now!!!!

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  4. Wow. This bread looks AMAZING and so soft! I have to make this ASAP!

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  5. we were talking yesterday at the inlaws different ways people eat their easter bread. I know your family always does the butter and sugar, we just have icing and my motherinlaw makes this spread that is cottage cheese(put in the blender) with lemon rind and sugar probably. tried it last night but don't like the taste of the lemon rind. but the texture wasn't too bad. they were amazed i had NEVER heard of that. i have been in the family for five and a half years and have never noticed this spread

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