The Villages - April 2020 - 18

Food

HOME-BAKED

EASTER
IDEAS
COMFORT FOODS
MAKE BASKETS BETTER
COMPILED BY RICA KEENUM
PHOTOS BY LISA ANDERSON

For many Easter celebrants, the holiday evokes
memories of Sunday-morning scavenger hunts,
colorful eggs and fancy bonnets. Wide-eyed children
await the treasures left behind by their favorite fabled
bunny. For those looking for alternatives to storebought, sugar-loaded baskets, we've compiled some
recipes you can make at home. Why not leave the candy
for Halloween, and treat your loved ones to home-baked
goodies instead? Comfort foods make everything better -
especially Easter baskets!

Homemade Yeast Bread
(Makes 4 small loaves)
INGREDIENTS

YEAST MIXTURE: 3 tablespoons active yeast; 1 tablespoons
sugar; 1 cup warm water (temperature is important, as too
cold or too hot will kill the yeast. Aim for the temperature
you'd use for a newborn's bath.)
DOUGH: 9-10 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup sugar;
1 tablespoon salt; 3 cups warm water; 1/2 cup oil
INSTRUCTIONS

and knead until dough is soft. It will be tacky, but it
should not stick to your fingers. Add more flour if it's
too sticky.
3. Put in a greased bowl and cover with a towel. Let sit
for 1 hour.
4. After dough has risen, punch it down and give it a
quick knead.
5. Grease bottom of baking loaf pans with shortening and
make 4 loaves.
6. Cover the loaves and let rise again for 1 hour.

1. Make yeast mixture. Let stand for 10 minutes until yeast
is activated.

7. When they are ready to go in your oven, brush
softened butter on the tops of each loaf and sprinkle
with bit of sea salt.

2. Mix yeast mixture and dough ingredients together

8. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 - 30 minutes.

APRIL 2020

The Villages - April 2020

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