happy easter!
it just doesn't feel like easter until i smell paska baking in the oven. so i got up early this morning to get to work!
it turned out pretty well and tastes fabulous! it didn't rise as much as i hoped, but in hindsight i also don't think i put nearly enough dough in the pans. mum's recipe is supposed to be for 7 loaves, and if that is supposed to be 7 large loaves, it definely didn't rise enough to make that. but oh well, its still delicious! (thanks for your help on the phone with all my questions mom!) I'm going to serve the Paska at our easter brunch tomorrow, monday is a holiday in quebec!



Mum's Paska

- in a small bowl dissolve
1 1/2 TB yeast in 1/2 c water with 1 t. sugar
set aside to activate

- in a blender:
blend the juice and rind of 1/2 lemon, 1/2 orange, until finely chopped
- then add
8 eggs
3/4 c honey- or less
3/4 sugar
1/2 t salt
1 t vanilla

- in a sauce man scald (not quite boiling)
1/2 c milk (or milk replacement (i used unsweetened almond milk)
- remove from heat and add
1/2 c butter, softened

- in a bowl mix all the liquids (egg mixture, yeast, milk)
- slowly kneed in
8 c flour approx ( i used a mixture of kamut and spelt, this didn't rise quite as nicely as wheat, but its fine)

- the dough should still be quite sticky
- cover with a damb tea towl and place in a warm spot. let rise until double (1-1.5hrs)
- once double, you beat it down and shape into loaves (or braids!)
the loaves should take up about 1/3 the pan (oiled pans!). let it rise again until doubled.
- preheat the oven to 325.
once it has doubled in the pans place in oven to bake for about 20-25 minutes depending on the size of the loaf. it should be just turning golden on the top when they are done.
- Frost with a cream cheese or butter frosting with lemon and orange zest. Delicious!


these little bunnies wanted to wish you a happy easter too!!!