Paska - Easter Bread

 

Every year at Easter my large extended family enjoyed Paska, an egg-rich yeast dough made only during Holy Week. They always made plenty of loaves and covered the top with buttercream and then sprinkled candy decorations on top. The loaves were delicious, but I always saved the top crust piece until last to savour the sweetness of the icing along with the bread. 

When I was a young bride someone came up with the idea of making the yeast dough into buns rather than loaves. I thought that was a great idea, and Tim said he appreciated the different dough to icing ratio - less dough, more icing. 

This recipe makes about 3 dozen buns, perfect for sharing with friends and family. The buns are best enjoyed within a day or two, and can be frozen to preserve the freshness. We just eat our fill and don't bother saving any. 

Paska Buns

2 Tablespoons yeast 

1/2 cup warm, not hot, water mixed with 1/2 teaspoon sugar

Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let sit for 5-10 minutes.

1 1/2 cups milk

1/3 cup butter

5 eggs

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup sugar

juice and rind of 1 small orange

juice and rind of 1 small lemon

Flour (I never measure this, but it's likely 4-5 cups)

Heat the milk and butter gently, just so the butter melts. Remove from heat and when slightly warm, add to the yeast mixture along with the salt, sugar, lemon and orange rind and juice. Beat the eggs well and add them to the mixture. 

Add 1-2 cups of flour and beat until smooth and elastic. Gradually add more flour, beating well until the dough is too hard to stir, then turn out onto a floured counter and knead until smooth and elastic. 

Place in a greased bowl and cover with a tea towel. Let rise until doubled (2 or more hours). Punch dough down, then form into buns and place on parchment lined baking sheets. Cover and let rise 40-60 minutes.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20-24 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a rack.

Ice tops with buttercream and decorate as desired. 

Delicious with a cup of tea or coffee. Take time to enjoy with friends and family.