Dishin with Denise… Easter Bread

Denise Gianatasio is a Northport 
Village resident and freelance writer. 
She is a licensed agent at Signature 
Premier Properties, 172 Main Street, Northport 631-754-3600. Denise 
enjoys cooking and sharing her recipes and family stories, as she wants to
inspire a warm sense of home with 
her readers. Please feel free to contact her for any advice you may need at  
dishinwithdenise@yahoo.com.

Breaking Bread ….. hippity hoppity… Easter’s on it’s way! With it~ the magical awakening of nature , a new fresh season of renewal~ springtime. This Easter bake these festive breads for family and friends~ delighting and inspiring while creating a wonderful long enjoyed tradition of mine. I have lovingly made these festive breads at Easter for almost 30 years now. A day of labor~ a gift of love~ “  the giving and the breaking of bread is LIFE! ”
    Once upon a time..I would spend the day with my little boys, coloring eggs, mixing the dough, wrapping the breads up in cellophane and tying up with colorful ribbons. In prearation for the dinner we would then place a bread loaf at each placesetting on the table. This would set the scene for the Easter bunny’s arrival and the special feelings of giving. Afterwards we set out in the car to make deliveries to loved ones with our decorated gifts for them to share and enjoy their family celebrations. The making, giving and sharing was the real blessing… that all begins in the kitchen and ends with appreciation and  giving thanks.  Bread ~ it gives nourishment to the body and soul.  May this Easter bring you renewal in the heart along with much joy Easter is a promise God renews to us each Spring! Happy Easter!  MAKE and break some bread.  Denise xo 
Easter Bread
1 cup sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
6 cups all- purpose flour
5 eggs, lightly beaten
¼ lb salted butter, melted
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract 
6 or 12  raw, colored eggs
1 or 2 egg whites beaten for wash
non- pareils

1. In a large bowl, combine sugar, baking powder, and flour
2. make a well in the center of the dry ingredients
3. stir together eggs, melted butter
4. add milk, flavoring and work mixture into a dough
5. roll dough into a long log, cut into 6 equal portions using 1 portion at a time, roll into long rope and criss cross over each other, placing 1 or 2 eggs into loop form of dough.
6. brush breads with beaten egg wash and sprinkle with non-pareils
7. place on parchment lined baking sheet
8. bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes or until bread is golden, makes 6 breads