Almond Easter Bread

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 4 eggs, lightly beaten
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup finely chopped almonds
• 1 egg yolk, lightly beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract

Directions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 10 minutes until the yeast is foamy.
2. Add the melted butter and eggs and stir to combine.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, and chopped almonds.
4. Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until a soft dough forms.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, about 10 minutes.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
7. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
8. Divide the dough into two equal pieces and shape each into a round loaf.
9. Place the loaves on a greased baking sheet, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.
10. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
11. Brush the loaves with the egg yolk and almond extract and sprinkle with the sliced almonds.
12. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until golden brown.
13. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, sugar, and almond extract.
14. Brush the loaves with the mixture and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
15. Let the loaves cool before serving.

Interesting Facts

• Almond Easter Bread is a traditional Italian pastry that is served during the Easter holiday.
• The bread is made with a soft and fluffy sweet dough that is filled with almonds and topped with a crunchy almond glaze.
• The bread is traditionally shaped into a round loaf, but can also be formed into braided or twisted shapes.
• The almond glaze is made with melted butter, sugar, and almond extract.