Grapevine: Starting to Prepare for Easter
By Rosalyn Queen on February 11, 2014 from The Grapevine
Easter will be here before we know it and I guess some of us or looking for a new Easter outfit. But if that is not the case for you, I know you are thinking about Easter Bread. It is never to early to make it. It freezes well, but if you are like me, there is never much left over to put in the freezer.
Here is the recipe that appears in Arrivederci for Easter Bread. Ingredients: 2 packages dry yeast or 1 1/2 cakes, 5 pounds flour, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 6 eggs beaten, 2 tsp salt, 2 sticks melted butter, 1 pint warm milk, 2 cups warm water, anise seed or liquid anise according to taste. put warm milk, warm water in container and dissolve yeast in it. Put dry ingredients in a large container, make a hole in the dry ingredientes to add the liquid, the eggs, the butter. Proceed mixing as you would any bread recipe. Once mixed set aside to raise. Remember that it will take a little longer because of the sugar. When double in size, punch down and let raise the second time. Make shapes, place in pans and let raise again. Bake in 350 degree oven. Time will be a minimum of twenty minutes,but may be longer according to size.
This past week Rose Mazza brought me some of the real muchallatta that is made in San Giovanni in Fiore. It has about the same ingredients, but is made in the shape of a Fritti and baked. It is not a bread as we know it but kind of a hard doughnut. We have Americanized the bread, that we know as Easter Bread. If you do not want to make Easter bread, Terry Bellotte from The Greenbrier Restaurant advised me that she will be making some and selling it. I also know that Tomarro's Bakery will be taking orders as well. Both of these are very good.
Remember that this recipe and all traditional Italian recipes can be found in my book, "Arrivederci, Recipes and Customs Every Italian Girl Takes From Home". You can purchase this book at Tomaro's Bakery or James & Law or you can call me at 304 842 2662. The book costs $12.00 and all proceeds from the book are donated to the Florence Roberti & William Burnett Scholarship which is awarded through the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival in memory of my parents. With the support of my wonderful readers who have purchased my book, I have underwritten a scholarship every year since the book has been printed. A reminder that high school seniors can apply for the scholarship through the WVIH Festival office (304.622.7314).
The Progressive Women's Association of Harrison County will be observing Black Cultural Month with a luncheon to be held on Saturday, February 22 at the Uptown Event Center on Washington Avenue in Clarksburg. To purchase tickets or for more information call Elinda at 304 624 6881.
I said I would be bringing you some recipes for Lent. Try a Frittata using peas. onions and cheese. Use 6 eggs, which have been beaten add a small chopped onion, parsley, 1/3 cup peas and 1/3 cup diced cheese. Whisk. In an oven proof skillet melt 2 tablespoons butter and add the egg mixture. Cook until the bottom has set. fold over and place the skillet in a 350 degree oven and bake for 10 minutes. This should serve about four people. Serve with a bowl of tomato soup or a salad. This is a great meatless meal.
My condolences to the Mike Oliverio family on his passing. Mike was a regular fixture at all Italian Festival events and was a valuable volunteer and Board member. He contributed to the success of the Festival and his accomplishments go on and on.
Here is a little tip if you have burned something on the bottom of your pot, put three inches of water in the pot, add 1 tablespoon of baking soda, cover and boil for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand for 30 minutes before scrubbing. If it is a really stubborn burn you may have to repeat the process.
Remember to spend Valentine's Day with a special sweetheart! Happy Valentine's Day to you all, keep in touch and until next week "Now You Have Heard It Through The Grapevine."
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