Easter Bread Ring

1. 1

   BREAD:.

2. 2

   In a large bowl, combine 3 cups flour with the sugar, yeast, orange zest, and salt. Mix until well blended.

3. 3

   In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium high heat until just boiling. Remove from the heat; add the shortening and stir until melted. Stir in the orange juice and vanilla. Cool to 120u00b0F Pour the milk mixture and the beaten eggs over the flour mixture.

4. 4

   Mix until a soft and sticky dough forms. Slowly stir in enough of the remaining flour to make a soft dough. Knead for 8-10 minutes. Place in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plstic wrap and place in a warm draft free spot and let rise 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Punch down dough, cover with plastic and refrigerate overnight.

5. 5

   Grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the dough from the refrigerator; punch it down. Divide dough in half. On a floured surface, roll each piece into a rope, about 24-inches long. Twist the ropes together; place the dough on prepared baking sheet. joining the ends together to form a ring shape.

6. 6

   Push the hard boiled eggs, on their sides, between the spaces in the twisted rope around ring. Cover bread with a piece of lightly greased plastic wrap. Let rise until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 -2 hours.

7. 7

   Heat oven to 350u00b0F Place the bread in the oven and bake for 5 minutes. Bat egg with 1 tablespoons milk. Brush bread with egg wash; return to oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown. Cool on wire rack.

8. 8

   GARNISH:.

9. 9

   Place a few drops of liquid food coloring in a small dish. Using a cotton swab or small paint brush, carefully color each dyed egg. Let dry fully before drizzling on Orange Glaze.

10. 10

    ORANGE GLAZE:.

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    In a small bowl, combine glaze ingredients: stir until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bread.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.