Paska I
Paska I Recipe from Croatia | Ingredients: Yeast, Milk, Flour, Butter, Sugar, Eggs, Salt
Introduction
Paska is a traditional Easter bread that is popular in many Eastern European countries. It is a sweet bread that is often decorated with intricate designs and symbols. This recipe for Paska is a classic version that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
History
Paska has been a part of Easter celebrations for centuries. It is believed to have originated in Eastern Europe, where it was traditionally made to celebrate the end of Lent. The bread is often decorated with symbols of Easter, such as crosses, flowers, and birds.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- Crumble yeast into a bowl; add 1 cup of milk and 1 cup of flour.
- Mix well and set aside to rise in a warm place.
- Cream the butter; add sugar and eggs and mix until well combined.
- Add the remaining milk to the mixture.
- Combine the yeast mixture with the butter mixture.
- Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Set the dough aside in a warm place until it doubles in size.
- Shape the dough into desired shapes.
- Allow the dough to rise again until it doubles in size in the pans.
- Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 30 to 35 minutes.
- Halfway through baking, brush the top with a beaten egg yolk mixed with a little milk.
Variations
- You can add raisins, nuts, or dried fruit to the dough for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- If you melt 1 stick butter and knead into dough it will keep paska soft.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure your yeast is fresh and active to ensure that the bread rises properly.
- Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic to develop the gluten and create a light and airy bread.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm place to ensure that it doubles in size.
- Brushing the top of the bread with an egg yolk mixed with milk halfway through baking will give it a beautiful golden color.
Serving Suggestions
Paska is delicious served warm with butter and jam for breakfast or as a sweet treat with coffee or tea.
Cooking Techniques
Kneading the dough until it is smooth and elastic is key to creating a light and airy bread.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use margarine instead of butter and almond milk instead of dairy milk for a dairy-free version of Paska.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight before shaping and baking.
Presentation Ideas
Decorate the top of the bread with icing or powdered sugar for a festive touch.
Pairing Recommendations
Paska pairs well with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store Paska in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Paska contains approximately 300 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Paska contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Paska contains approximately 10 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of Paska contains approximately 8 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Paska is a good source of iron, calcium, and vitamin B6.
Alergens
Paska contains gluten, dairy, and eggs.
Summary
Paska is a delicious Easter bread that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of iron, calcium, and vitamin B6.
Summary
Paska is a traditional Easter bread that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite mix-ins. Enjoy this sweet and delicious bread as part of your Easter celebration!
How did I get this recipe?
I recall the feeling of curiosity that washed over me when I found this recipe for Paska. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through an old box of recipes that I had collected over the years. As I sifted through the worn and stained cards, I came across a faded piece of paper that caught my eye.
The paper was yellowed and fragile, with tiny handwritten notes scrawled in faded ink. The title at the top read "Paska - Ukrainian Easter Bread." I had never heard of Paska before, but something about the recipe intrigued me. The ingredients were simple - flour, eggs, butter, milk, sugar, and yeast - but the method was complex, with multiple steps and precise measurements.
I knew right away that I had to try making this bread. I had always loved experimenting in the kitchen, and the challenge of mastering a new recipe excited me. So, I set to work gathering the ingredients and carefully following the instructions.
The first step was to dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit until it became frothy. As I watched the bubbles form on the surface, I felt a sense of anticipation building inside me. This bread was going to be something special, I could just tell.
Next, I mixed the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl before adding the yeast mixture and eggs. The dough was sticky and difficult to work with at first, but as I kneaded it on a floured surface, it began to come together, smooth and elastic under my hands.
After letting the dough rise for an hour, I shaped it into a round loaf and placed it in a greased pan to bake. The sweet aroma of freshly baked bread filled the kitchen as it rose in the oven, golden and crusty on top.
When the Paska was finally done, I couldn't wait to taste it. I sliced into the warm loaf and took a bite, savoring the soft, airy texture and subtle sweetness. It was unlike any bread I had ever tried before - rich and flavorful, with a hint of nutmeg and vanilla that lingered on my tongue.
I knew then that I had stumbled upon a truly special recipe. Paska became a staple in my kitchen, a bread that I would make every Easter without fail. I shared it with friends and family, who marveled at its delicious taste and festive appearance.
Over the years, I have continued to perfect my Paska recipe, tweaking the ingredients and techniques to suit my tastes. Each time I make it, I am transported back to that warm summer day when curiosity led me to discover something new and wonderful in my beloved collection of recipes.
So, as I bake Paska once again this Easter, I do so with a heart full of gratitude for the culinary journey that brought me to this delicious bread. And I can't help but smile, knowing that the tradition of sharing this recipe with others will continue for generations to come.
Categories
| Bread Appetizer Recipes | Croatian Appetizers | Croatian Recipes | Easter Breads | Egg Recipes | Milk And Cream Recipes | Slavic Recipes | Wheat Flour Recipes |