EASTER BREAD. PASKA, A UKRAINIAN TRADITION.

Steps:

• Combine the sugar, warm water and yeast and allow to sit for about 10 minutes until the yeast becomes soft and starts to bloom.
• Combine the yeast mixture with the cooled scalded milk and 5 cups flour.
• Cover and allow to rise in a warm place until light and bubbly. Depending on how warm your warm place will be this could take an hour or so.
• Once you have reached the light and bubbly stage it is time to add the melted butter, 6 beaten eggs, 1 cup sugar, 1 Tablespoon salt and Stir to combine.
• Add enough flour to make the dough come together. It should not be too sticky or too stiff. This could be up to 10 cups of additional flour
• Place the dough in a large pot or bowl, cover and allow to rise in a warm place until double in size.
• After the rise, punch the dough down and work it into a smooth ball adding additional flour if needed.
• Divide the dough into rounds, or braid it or shape it for small loaf pans. Make sure the dough is tight and well worked before you place it on a pan.
• Cover and allow the dough to rise ONE MORE TIME! Yes, this is the FINAL rise.
• Whisk together the egg with about a tablespoon of water to make an egg wash.
• Brush the egg wash over the dough for a shiny finish when the bread comes out of the oven. Score the dough if you are looking for a bit of decoration.
• Bake at 400 F for 15 minutes.
• Lower the temperature in the oven to 350 (but don't remove the bread). Cover the bread with foil to prevent over browning.
• Bake an additional 25 minutes at 350.
• Cool completely and store wrapped in plastic wrap or a zip top bag to keep it fresh.