Risen - Italy’s Pane di Pasqua

Colomba di Pasqua

Italy’s Pane di Pasqua are tangible representations of the meaningful ties to the origins of Easter Sunday, the symbolism of seasonal celebrations and the culinary and cultural traditions of regional Italian food. Filled with raisins and candied orange peel, the classic Colomba di Pasqua is the most familiar of the traditional Italian Easter breads. Shaped like a dove (colomba means dove in Italian) it is a symbol of peace and the resurrection.

from Ali di Firenze

Seasonal Italian Easter breads braided and studded with colorful eggs are made to be the celebratory centerpiece of the Easter table.  Flavored with citrus or anise with dotted batters of dried fruit,  the knotted shaping and braiding of the bread in loaves or rings is often a signature of a generational family kitchen. Typically glazed or topped with colorful sprinkles innovative cooks are making new traditions with unique designs like the one shown from Ali di Firenze. Symbolizing the rebirth of the spring season and Christ’s resurrection these soft, slightly sweet breads with their brightly colored eggs can be found beyond the borders of Italy as a symbol of the season.

Crescia

However there are many other favored Italian breads and regional variations to celebrate the Easter season that pair with everyday table fare. In the Italian Marche region crescia, a traditional cheese bread is a risen, more savory than sweet bread meant to be eaten with cured meats.

Sardinia, an island famous for its bakers, has hundreds of different varieties of bread. The most unique and recognizable are those breads baked for weddings, festivals or religious occasions known as pane coccoi. With jagged edges and spikes made with scissors, knives and fluted wheels, the dough also includes whole eggs still in their shell during Easter.

The Sardinian Coccoi Cun S’Ou made with a beer yeast base 

Italian pane di Pasqua risen breads need not be elaborate or ornate. Here is a recipe for a simple a Italian ”breakfast bread” to enjoy for Easter breakfast or brunch to celebrate the season.

Italian Sweet Breakfast Bread
Makes one 10-inch round loaf

2 ½ tsp. active dry yeast
1 cup warm water
2 Tbs.sugar
2 eggs
½ cup plain yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon salt
4-5 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
¼ cup golden raisins
¼ cup chopped candied lemon peel

In the bowl of a large stand mixer, combine yeast, water and sugar. Cover and let stand 10 minutes, or until a foamy vital yeast bloom has been formed.  Add eggs, yogurt, vanilla, lemon zest, and salt. Mix well. With the paddle attachment of the stand mixer, stir in flour ½ cup at a time, scraping sides of bowl down, until dough starts to form (this should happen after adding about 3 cups).  Switch to the dough hook and continue adding flour (about 1 more cup) until dough begins to come together. Continue kneading for 5 to 10 minutes, adding flour as necessary (up to 5 cups), until dough is soft and pliable, but not sticky.

Form dough into a large ball and coat all sides with oil.  Let dough rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.

Punch dough down in bowl, transfer to a floured surface, and knead in the dried fruits. The goal is to get the fruits uniformly incorporated throughout the dough. Form dough into a ball and place in a greased 9-10 inch round pan.  Cover loosely with plastic wrap and cool rise in the refrigerator overnight.

The next morning, remove pan from refrigerator and let come to room temperature (about 1 hour before baking).  Bake in a preheated oven at 350 F  for 45 minutes, or until loaf is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  (If bread browns too quickly on top, cover with a piece of foil.)