Sweet and Golden Easter Bread

Name: Sweet and Golden Easter Bread
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 2 loaves.
Cuisine: Europe, Italian
Ingredients: 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast; 3 tablespoons warm water (110° to 115°); 1-1/3 cups warm milk (110° to 115°); 2/3 cup sugar; 2/3 cup butter, softened; 1-1/4 teaspoons salt; 2 large eggs; 3 teaspoons anise extract; 6 to 6-1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2/3 cup raisins; 1 large egg white, beaten; 1 tablespoon water

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 30 min. + rising Bake: 35 min. + cooling YIELD: 2 loaves.

It is an Italian tradition to make this sweet, golden braid at Easter. This family heirloom recipe came from my mother-in-law and was passed down to her from her mother. If you're not a fan of raisins, the bread is just as wonderful without them. —Kathi West, Canton, Michigan

Ingredients

2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
3 tablespoons warm water (110° to 115°)
1-1/3 cups warm milk (110° to 115°)
2/3 cup sugar
2/3 cup butter, softened
1-1/4 teaspoons salt
2 large eggs
3 teaspoons anise extract
6 to 6-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup raisins
1 large egg white, beaten
1 tablespoon water

Directions

1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the milk, sugar, butter and salt; mix well. Add eggs, extract and 2 cups flour; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
2. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
3. Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; sprinkle with raisins and knead in. Divide in half. Divide each portion into thirds. Shape each into a 14-in. rope. Place three ropes on a greased baking sheet, and braid; pinch ends to seal and tuck under. Repeat with remaining dough. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.
4. Whisk egg white and water; brush over braids. Bake at 325° for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 158 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 130mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.