Foolproof Easter Bread

  

    OMG ! Couldn't find white eggs in all Bologna supermarkets , was really disappointed and so were my kids .. So I kept looking for a foolproof way to dye my DARK eggs ..and I DID IT !
Well guys, you hard boil your eggs and then put your different dyes in your mugs and- here is a trick- cracking the shell, and then steeping the egg in a flavored tea or food colors .  The batik-like marbling effect is more prominent when teas with high levels of tannin are used; the duration of the coloring  will influence both the color of the marbling and the degree to which the tea  flavor penetrates the egg.

Back to this easy Easter Bread .. found the recipe on allrecipes and was happy with the results...

Ingredients ( for two loaves ) :

• 6 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom ( I used orange peel instead )
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 6 tablespoons butter, cubed
• 4 eggs
• 3 hard-cooked eggs
• vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons cold water

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, cardamom and salt. In a saucepan, heat milk and butter to 120 degrees F-130 degrees F. Add to dry ingredients; beat just until moistened. Add 3 eggs; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
2. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes.( the dough will be sticky )  Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 60  minutes.
3. Dye hard-cooked eggs; lightly rub with oil. Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide dough into thirds. Shape each portion into a 48 cm  rope.
4. Place ropes on a greased baking sheet and braid; bring ends together to form a ring. Pinch ends to seal. Gently separate braided ropes and tuck dyed eggs into openings ( or put them in the middle after it is baked as I did ). Cover and let rise until doubled, about 20 minutes.
5. Beat water and remaining egg; gently brush over dough. Bake at 375 degrees F  ( 180 c)for 28-32 or until golden brown. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool. Refrigerate leftovers. 
6. you can reheat it in the microwave later , then spread some butter and jam on it .. Yummmmy!