Bread Machine Italian Easter Bread

This is a modified Italian Easter bread made with a bread machine. Saves time, kneading, etc. The same ingredients are used but simplified by using a bread machine. This was a recipe handed down by my grandmother.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 20
• Yields: 2 rings

Ingredients

• 1⁄4 cup water, - 110degrees
• 2⁄3 cup milk, - 110dregrees
• 3⁄4 cup  softened butter
• 2⁄3 cup granulated sugar
• 3⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract
•  juice of one lemons or 1  teaspoon  butter flavoring, as desired
• 2  eggs, beaten
• 5  cups unbleached flour
• 2 1⁄4 teaspoons  yeast
•  colored raw egg

• Frosting

• 2  cups confectioners' sugar
• 1⁄4 cup milk
• 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract
•  non-pareils

Directions

1. Add in order given above to bread machine. Process for dough cycle. Roll and shape into braided rings. Let rise. Bake at 340 degrees for approximately 20-25 minutes.
2. This bread can also have colored raw eggs put in the braids before baking. They will cook to hard boiled egg stage. After baking, cool and frost with 2 cups powdered sugar mixed with approximately 1/4 cup milk and 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract, then sprinkle with non-pareils.