Tsoureki (Sweet Greek Easter Bread)

This recipe was passed down to me from my Greek aunt. Traditionally the bread was made exclusively for Easter celebrations and had red-dyed hard boiled eggs nestled in the braids of the loaf. Nowadays the bread is popular at breakfast and is served all year round, without the hard boiled eggs.

• Ready In: 37 mins
• Serves: 12
• Yields: 2 loaves

Ingredients

• 1  cup milk
• 4 1⁄2-5 1⁄2 cups flour
• 3⁄4 cup sugar
• 1 1⁄2 tablespoons  yeast
• 3  eggs
• 1  egg yolk
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 cup butter, softened
• 2  tablespoons  orange juice
• 2  teaspoons orange zest
• 2  teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

1. Heat milk and whisk in 1½ cups flour, sugar, and yeast.
2. Cover with plastic and let stand for ~30 minutes.
3. Add eggs one at a time.
4. Add another cup flour, orange zest, and salt. Then add butter, vanilla, and orange juice. Gradually add remaining flour, kneading until smooth.
5. Coat a bowl with oil and roll dough in it to coat. Cover with plastic and let rise for 1½ hour. Preheat oven to 400.
6. Make braids with the dough (2 loaves).
7. Mix egg yolk with 1 tablespoon water. Brush loaves with mixture.
8. Bake 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 and bake 20 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes.