Easter Bread with Pine Nuts
Ciambella con Pinoli
1 package yeast
¼ cup warm water
½ cup milk
½ cup soft butter
½ cup + two tablespoons sugar
1 cup pinoli (pine nuts)
2 tablespoons grated lemon peel
2 tablespoons vanilla
½ teaspoons salt
3 eggs + 2 egg yolks
4 ½ cups all purpose flour
Stir yeast into warm water
Heat milk then allow to cool a little
Then with mixer cream the butter, adding in sugar, pinoli, lemon peel, vanilla, and salt
Beat eggs until fluffy adding in one yoke at a time
Mix in milk and yeast, and then slowly beat in the flour a little at a time
Knead the dough vigorously until smooth and elastic and let rise in warm place1 ½ hours.
Shape into smooth ball and let rise 25 more minutes
Bake at 350 degrees F for 50 minutes
Brush with egg whites and sprinkle with sugar and a few pinoli when done.