Indulge in the festive flavors of Christmas with our delectable Italian Christmas Bread, a traditional sweet bread that captures the spirit of the holiday season. This classic Italian bread is enriched with warm spices, candied fruits, and nuts, creating a symphony of flavors and aromas that will fill your home with cheer. Elevate your Christmas celebration with our irresistible Eggnog Glaze that adds a luscious, creamy touch, making each bite a delightful experience. Embark on a culinary journey with our comprehensive guide that includes recipes for the Italian Christmas Bread, Eggnog Glaze, and a variation of the bread using a bread machine. Let your kitchen transform into a winter wonderland as you create these festive treats that will impress your family and friends.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
GRANDMA NARDI'S ITALIAN EASTER BREAD
My Grandma Nardi's bread with dyed Easter eggs represents family and tradition. I fondly remember how she taught me the recipe when I was a little girl. -Pat Merkovich, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Provided by Taste of Home
Time 1h5m
Yield 1 loaf (16 slices).
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Place 3 eggs in a single layer in a small saucepan; add enough cold water to cover by 1 in. Cover and quickly bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Let stand 15 minutes., Rinse eggs in cold water and place in ice water until completely cooled. Drain; dye hard-boiled eggs with food coloring, following package directions. Let stand until completely dry., In bread machine pan, place the first 7 bread ingredients in order suggested by manufacturer. Select dough setting. Check dough after 5 minutes of mixing; add 1-2 tablespoons additional milk or flour if needed., When cycle is completed, turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Punch down dough; divide into thirds. Roll each into a 15-in. rope. Place ropes on a greased baking sheet and braid. Shape into a ring. Pinch ends to seal. Lightly coat dyed eggs with oil; arrange on braid, tucking them carefully between ropes. For egg wash, whisk egg with water. Brush over dough; sprinkle with sesame seeds., Cover with a kitchen towel; let rise in a warm place until almost doubled, about 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°., Bake until golden brown, 30-35 minutes. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool. Refrigerate leftovers.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 157 calories, Fat 5g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 75mg cholesterol, Sodium 264mg sodium, Carbohydrate 21g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 6g protein.
GRANDMA ROSE'S ITALIAN EASTER BREAD 1947
Grandma Rose was from Calabria Italy. We always had this at Easter time. Great for toast and really good for French Toast. Just eat with a dab fresh butter and a cup of coffee. If you braid it, you can put sugar cubes on top that will burst in the oven in those areas, That is how the Italian bakeries do the tops. Ours is plain....
Provided by andypandy
Categories Yeast Breads
Time 40m
Yield 8 loaves, 80 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Scald whole milk and let cool, add in the yeast.
- Beat eggs, and juice, and zest.
- Beat sugar and butter until fluffy continue to beat well.
- Add the beaten egg mixture into the beaten sugar butter mixture.
- Combine with the cooled scaled milk , and yeast mixture.
- Combine well, add sifted flour, continue adding flour until a soft dough comes together.
- Turn out onto a table and knead until soft, not too sticky, 5- 10 minutes.
- Let double in a greased bowl, covered.
- Punch down and let rise again.
- Form into braids after second rising, or put into loaf pans.
- Let rise until almost doubled Bake 350 degrees, until golden, 20 minutes approximately.
- Note; the amount of flour can be anything from 8- 12 cups, or more. but add gradually until you have a soft slightly sticky dough -- where when touched your finger comes away tacky but not sticking to the bread board.Keep your dough soft not firm --.
- All depends on flour and humidity and how much juice from your oranges and lemons.
- Can braid and place under braiding but showing raw eggs white or already coloured, eggs will cook while baking, for an Easter morning delight.
- Directions on making the dough, can vary, as I have done the procedure in different ways, and now we can't get fresh compressed yeast in our stores, so I use active dry yeast, usually 2 tablespoons.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 104.9, Fat 5.8, SaturatedFat 3.4, Cholesterol 41.3, Sodium 122.7, Carbohydrate 11.9, Fiber 0.6, Sugar 10.7, Protein 2
Tips:
- Activate the yeast properly: Proof the yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar before adding it to the dough. This will ensure that the yeast is active and will help the bread rise properly.
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the bread will taste. Use fresh, high-quality flour, butter, and eggs.
- Knead the dough well: Kneading the dough develops the gluten, which gives the bread its structure and texture. Knead the dough for at least 10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place: The dough should rise in a warm place, about 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help the dough rise quickly and evenly.
- Bake the bread at a high temperature: The bread should be baked at a high temperature, about 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help the bread develop a golden brown crust and a light and fluffy interior.
- Glaze the bread with eggnog: The eggnog glaze is the perfect finishing touch for this bread. It adds a sweet and festive flavor that is perfect for the holidays.
Conclusion:
This Italian Christmas bread is a delicious and festive treat that is perfect for the holidays. It is easy to make and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The bread is light and fluffy, with a sweet and flavorful eggnog glaze. It is the perfect addition to any holiday table.
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