Recipe: Tsoureki (Greek Easter Bread)

Tsoureki (Greek Easter Bread)
The Food of Greece by Vilma Chantiles

1 cup milk
1/2 cup sweet butter
1 pkg active dry yeast
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
2 eggs; beaten
5 tbsp orange juice, divided
1 tbsp grated orange rind
5 1/2 cups sifted flour
butter; melted
red-dyed, hard-boiled eggs
1/4 cup slivered almonds
2 tbsp granulated sugar

In a small saucepan, combine the milk and butter over medium heat and scald. Stir until the butter melts, then pour into a mixing bowl; cool to lukewarm.

When lukewarm, sprinkle in the yeast, and with fingers or a heavy spoon gradually stir in the 1/2 cup sugar until it dissolves.

Then add the salt, eggs 3 tablespoons of the orange juice, and the orange rind, stirring continuously. Gradually add half the flour until the mixture begins to bubble. Continue adding flour gradually by hand; the dough will be sticky, but should not be stiff.

Flour your fingers lightly and knead for 15 minutes. Place the dough in a large buttered bowl, brush the dough with melted butter, cover, and place in a warm area to rise until doubled in bulk (approximately 2 to 3 hours).

Punch the dough down and divide into 2 parts. Divide each half into 3 parts and roll each into a long rope about 10x2-inches. Braid the three ropes together; pinch to seal the ends if leaving long, or join together to form a long round loaf (see note below). Repeat with the other half of the dough to make a second tsoureki. Place in large baking pans or on a cookie sheet, cover, and let rise until doubled in bulk (approx. 1 1/2 hours).

Meanwhile, prepare the glaze by mixing the remaining orange juice, almonds, and the 2 tablespoons sugar in a small bowl.

Bake the tsourekia in a 375 degree oven for 20 minutes.

Remove from the oven and with a pastry brush glaze the tops and sides of loaves. Return to the oven and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until the color is a rich and shiny chestnut.

Note: If using the Easter eggs, tuck them into the center when you shape the loaves, leave until loaves have doubled and bake them with the loaf. After baking, though lovely, the eggs will be inedible. Also in some provinces, the tsoureki is formed with a large braid and a smaller one
over it, making a much larger loaf requiring a longer baking time.