Posts tagged Homemade Bread
Italian Easter Bread
Italian Easter Bread

Just like the Irish have their soda bread for Saint Patrick’s Day, Italians have a special bread made once a year for Easter.  Italian Easter bread is a slightly sweet, braided bread adorned with hard boiled eggs and sprinkles. Some Italians will even dye the eggs before placing them in the bread but we do not.  My mom doesn’t use sprinkles either.  Her bread looks similar to a challah, lightly scented with anise seed.

This year, my mom and I decided to make the bread together.  I have never made my own before so I decided to make some additions like sprinkles, lemon zest, a bit of sugar and almond extract to my mom’s recipe for a sweeter, more colorful bread. Also, I made mine into a wreath like I have seen in Italian bakeries. She stuck to her tried and true Calabrese recipe.  Both came out wonderfully and I’m so happy I finally learned to make it.

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Italy, Unites States of America, From Nonna's KitchenAnna GassItalian Easter Bread, italian cooking, Italian dessert, Easter, Irish Soda Bread, Challah, Sweet Easter Bread, nonna's kitchen, family tradition, Homemade Bread, How-To Tuesday
Lucky Irish Soda Bread
Lucky Irish Soda Bread

It's Saint Patty’s Day but I can promise you, I’m not making corned beef and cabbage.  As much as I love traditions, my kids don’t like it so after a few years of way too many leftovers, I stopped making the effort.  I do however; make Irish Soda Bread.  It’s a family favorite.

I found the recipe years ago in Baking with Julia, and it’s the traditional recipe. Very simple, four ingredients and an old stand by.  I have added a few twists to it, lemon zest, turbinado sugar and golden raisins, which are not traditional, but that’s what you get when an Italian girl goes Irish.  Scusi!

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IrelandAnna GassHappy Saint Patrick's Day, Saint Patrick's Day, Irish Soda Bread, Homemade Bread, homemade, family tradition, cooking with love, Baking With Julia
How-To Tuesday: The Secret to Baking Homemade Bread
How-To Tuesday: The Secret to Baking Homemade Bread

Avoiding carbohydrates is very difficult for me.  Its true that when I do, I feel better, have more energy and lose some inches from my waistline.  But, bread is my kryptonite.  I love it.  Dunked in olive oil, slathered with mayo and made into a sandwich, or even toasted with some butter, bread is my best friend.

I will admit; I don’t eat bread often because I consider it a treat.  But, when I do, it has to be the good stuff.  If I am going to have carb guilt, it better be worth it.  So, when I’m inclined, I bake bread.  Yup, it’s easy, fast and will be worth every last bite. If you bake it once, I promise, you’ll bake it again.

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Unites States of AmericaAnna GassHow-To Tuesday, Bread, Carbohydrates, Olive Oil, ciabatta, Baguette, King Arthur Flour, Classic White Sandwich Bread, homemade, Homemade Bread, Baking