Greek Trinity Loaf Recipe
Greek Trinity Loaf
Makes 1 loaf
This traditional Greek Easter bread acquires its name from its shape
According to Greek tradition, the bread is cut when the entire family is seated at the Easter table
Each person receives one thin slice from each of the three loaves
3 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (divided)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 packages RapidRise or fast-acting yeast
1 teaspoon anise seed
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup water (70 to 80 degrees F)
1/3 cup butter or margarine, cut up
2 whole eggs plus 1 separated egg (divided)
1 cup golden raisins
In large bowl, combine 1 cup flour, sugar, undissolved yeast, anise seed and salt
Heat water and butter until very warm (120 to 130 degrees F); stir into dry ingredients
Stir in 2 eggs, 1 egg yolk (reserve egg white) and enough remaining flour to make soft dough
Knead on lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 5 to 7 minutes
Cover; let rest 10 minutes
To shape and bake dough: Remove 1/2 cup dough; reserve
Knead raisins into remaining dough; divide into 3 equal pieces
Form each into smooth ball; arrange on greased baking sheet in the shape of a 3-leaf clover
Divide reserved dough into 4 equal pieces; roll each into 10-inch rope
Place 2 ropes side by side; twist together, pinching ends to seal
Repeat with remaining ropes
Arrange twisted ropes on 3-leaf clover in the form of a cross, tucking ends under
Cover; let rise in warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 45 to 60 minutes
Lightly beat reserved egg white; brush on dough
Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375 degrees
Bake bread for 30 to 35 minutes or until done, covering with foil after 10 minutes to prevent excess browning
Remove from pan; cool on wire rack
Bread machine method: (For 1 1/2- or 2-pound bread machines
) Using 3 1/4 cups bread flour and 3 teaspoons rapid-rise or fast-acting yeast, add ingredients to bread machine pan in the order suggested by manufacturer
Process on dough/manual cycle
When cycle is complete, remove dough to floured surface
If necessary, knead in additional flour to make dough easy to handle
Proceed as directed above to shape and bake dough
Calories: 205 per 1 of 14 slices (10% from protein, 65% from carbohydrate, 25% from fat) Protein: 5 grams; Total fat: 5
8 grams; Saturated fat: 3
1 grams; Cholesterol: 57 mg; Sodium: 225 mg; Carbohydrate: 33
9 grams; Dietary fiber: 1
5 grams
Exchanges: 1 1/2 starch, 1 fat, 1/2 fruit
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