Paska

Paska is an Easter bread that is traditionally made in the Ukraine.  It is slightly sweet and has a wonderful moist texture.  Heavenly out of the toaster slathered with butter!  This is one recipe where we “cheat” and use processed flour.  After all, it is in celebration of a holiday!  King Arthur is a high-quality brand that you can find in most grocery stores.  If you are a purist, go ahead and try this recipe with freshly milled hard white wheat.  Oh, and don’t substitute Thompson raisins for the white.  The flavor won’t be the same.   Put in mixer in order given: 1 ½ cups warm milk ½ cup melted butter (1 stick) ½ cup natural cane sugar ½ tsp. salt 2 T. brandy, or orange liqueur 1 tsp. vanilla 2 eggs   Add: 5 cups King Arthur unbleached bread flour 2 T. instant yeast   Turn mixer on Speed 1. While machine is running, add: 1 cup white raisins ½ cup chopped walnuts   Slowly add more flour in ¼-cupfuls until dough pulls away from side of mixing bowl.  Let run on Speed 1 for 6 more minutes.  Dough will be somewhat sticky.   Remove dough from mixing bowl and let rise in greased bowl until doubled, about one hour.   Punch down dough; divide in half.  Put dough into two greased 8” bread pans.   Let rise until dough reaches top of pans.  Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes.