Pascha (Easter Bread) Recipe

[BethR]

Per JAP's request.

This is the best pascha that I have ever had. Very sweet and moist.

Mary Ellen's Mother's Pascha

In a large bowl mix:

10 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1 tsp salt
3 envelopes rapid rise yeast

Heat to 125 degrees (I do this in my microwave using the temperature probe:

3 cups milk
1 stick (1/2 cup) margarine (the REAL stuff - not a spread)
1/4 cup shortening
1/4 cup oil

Stir hot liquid into dry mixture.

Add:

4 lightly beaten eggs (at room temperature)
1 1/2 Tbls real vanilla

Knead in at least 4 more cups of flour until the dough is not sticky.

Let raise 1 hour or until an indentation in the dough does not disappear. Punch down - let raise again for 1/2 hour or so.

Form into 4 or 5 round loaves. Save some dough for trim. Place in greased pans. (If you don't have pans already, it is almost impossible to find round baking pans for pascha. A lady at my church gave me this hint - go to the a pet store or feed store and buy stainless steel pet food dishes. These are exactly the shape that you want and are available in various sizes. I bought mine this week - they are 2 quart size.)

Let raise in pans for a 1/2 hour or so. Decorate as desired.

Brush with well beaten egg.

Bake at 325 degrees for about 30 minutes or until the loaf sounds hollow when tapped with finger.

Remove from pans. Brush with margarine. Cool on racks.

I freeze mine in freezer bags until needed.

 

[BWVDenise]

This might be a stupid question, Beth, but why is the milk listed two times instead of all together?

Also, where in the world do you find a bowl big enough for FOURTEEN cups of flour!!? Wow! I don't think my KitchenAid could handle all that!

My Ukrainian grandmother used to make this but hers was always kind of dry. Also, she used white raisins in it.

 

[BethR]

Originally posted by BWVDenise
This might be a stupid question, Beth, but why is the milk listed two times instead of all together?

Because I am STUPID Denise!!! That was a typo and should read 1/4 cup oil. I am going to change it.

Also, where in the world do you find a bowl big enough for FOURTEEN cups of flour!!? Wow! I don't think my KitchenAid could handle all that!

I use the big Tupperware Fix and Mix bowl. It fits perfectly. But I don't use a dough hook to knead it. I knead by hand.

My Ukrainian grandmother used to make this but hers was always kind of dry. Also, she used white raisins in it.

I always thought the same about most of the other paschas that I have eaten. That is one of the reasons that I find this recipe so good. And you can add the raisins if you like them - many people do!

Also, I am going to adjust the baking time - today in my new stainless dog food bowls they were done in under 40 minutes. I guess you just need to watch...