Easter Bread with Orange Butter
This is a very old recipe I found in my great-aunt's handwritten cookbook after she passed away. I love it with apple butter or orange butter, made by mixing orange marmalade and butter.
This is a very old recipe I found in my great-aunt's handwritten cookbook after she passed away. I love it with apple butter or orange butter, made by mixing orange marmalade and butter.
- Carbohydrate 482.720449301665 g
- Cholesterol 401.072917100532 mg
- Fat 210.241528434104 g
- Fiber 17.3147511830363 g
- Protein 65.8763828164613 g
- Saturated Fat 99.2716262513238 g
- Serving Size 1 1 loaf (32 slices). (1268g)
- Sodium 21756.7737636961 mg
- Sugar 465.405698118628 g
- Trans Fat 12.9165462933041 g
- Calories 4053 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water.
- Add the eggs, sugar, oil, salt, lemon peel and 2 cups flour. Beat until smooth.
- Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
- Turn onto a floured surface. Sprinkle with raisins; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 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.
- Punch dough down.
- Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide dough into thirds.
- Shape each into a 20-in. rope.
- Place ropes on a greased baking sheet and braid; pinch ends to seal and tuck under.
- Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 24-28 minutes or until golden brown.
- Brush with melted butter.
- Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool.
- In a small bowl, combine softened butter and marmalade; serve with bread.
Easter Bread with Orange Butter: A Family Legacy
The scent of warm bread baking fills my kitchen, a familiar comfort that always brings me back to my great-aunt Millie. Her handwritten cookbook, a treasure trove of family recipes, holds countless stories, but none quite like this Easter bread. It's more than just a recipe; it's a connection to the past, a tangible piece of family history passed down through generations. The slightly sweet dough, studded with plump raisins, the satisfying braid, the aroma of orange blossom… it’s a symphony of flavors and textures that evoke feelings of warmth and togetherness.
Millie, a woman of simple pleasures and profound love, poured her heart into her cooking. She wasn't a chef, or a culinary expert, just a loving homemaker who found joy in feeding her family and friends. Her recipes were never fussy or complicated; they were honest, heartfelt, and deeply satisfying. This Easter bread, with its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, is a perfect testament to her approach. The process itself is therapeutic, a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and focus on the gentle rhythm of kneading, shaping, and waiting. It's a meditation in flour and yeast, a reminder to slow down and appreciate the simple things.
The magic of this bread isn't just in the taste; it's in the memories. It brings to mind sunny spring afternoons, laughter echoing through the kitchen, and the comforting presence of Millie, her hands dusted with flour, her eyes twinkling with warmth. Every time I bake this bread, I feel closer to her, closer to my roots, closer to the essence of family. The sweet orange butter, a simple combination of softened butter and tangy marmalade, complements the bread perfectly, adding a burst of citrusy brightness to each bite. It's a touch of unexpected elegance, a reminder that even simple things can be exquisite.
Beyond the personal connection, this Easter bread represents something larger – the enduring power of tradition. Recipes are more than just a list of ingredients and instructions; they are vessels that carry culture, history, and love across generations. They link us to our ancestors, reminding us of their lives and their values. Sharing this bread with my family and friends isn’t just about offering them a delicious treat; it’s about sharing a piece of myself, a piece of my family’s heritage, a piece of Millie's legacy. It's a tradition I intend to keep alive, passing on this little piece of happiness to future generations. The act of making this bread becomes a ritual, a way to honor the past, savor the present, and look forward to the future. It’s a way to say thank you for the love, laughter, and memories that have made this bread, and my family, so incredibly sweet.
This Easter bread recipe is not just a culinary creation; it’s a love letter, written in flour, sugar, and the warmth of a loving heart. And with each slice, a story unfolds, bringing the past, present, and future closer than ever before.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, the way it allows for a profound connection to family history, and the joy it brings to those who share in its creation and consumption. It's not merely a bread recipe; it's an heirloom, a story, and a testament to the power of love and tradition passed down through generations.
More than a delicious treat, this Easter bread is a legacy, a reminder of family, and a cherished part of my springtime celebrations. I hope you will give it a try and create your own family memories with this simple, yet extraordinary, recipe.
