Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 packets active dry yeast (about 4 1/2 teaspoons)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup warm milk (120°F to 130°F)
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon orange zest

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon water

For Decoration:

• 5 raw eggs, dyed if desired
• Sprinkles or colored sugar for garnish

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. Add warm milk, melted butter, eggs, lemon zest, and orange zest.
3. Beat until smooth.
4. Gradually add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
5. Knead on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes.
6. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top.
7. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
8. Punch down dough.
9. Divide into thirds.
10. Roll each portion into a 24-inch rope.
11. Braid ropes; form a circle, pinching ends to seal.
12. Place a greased baking sheet.
13. Tuck dyed eggs into braid, evenly spaced.
14. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
15. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
16. Brush dough with egg wash.
17. Sprinkle with colored sugar or sprinkles if desired.
18. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
19. Remove from pan to wire rack to cool.

Prep Time: 2 hours 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes | Kcal: 350 kcal per serving | Servings: 1 loaf (about 12 slices)

Ingredients

• 1 1/3 c. warm water
• 2 1/4 tsp. yeast
• 1 tbsp. brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 1/2 tsp. olive oil
• 4 c. flour

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Dough scraper
• Baking stone or tray
• Kitchen scale
• Thermometer

Step-By-Step Baking Instructions

1. Place warm water, yeast, and brown sugar in a mixing bowl.
2. Stir and let stand for a few minutes until it starts to bubble and foam a bit.
3. This is where the magic begins, as the yeast wakes up and gets ready to work its magic.
4. Add olive oil and salt.
5. Mix and add the flour gradually.
6. You’re looking for a dough that pulls away from the sides of the bowl but is still slightly sticky.
7. This is the foundation of our bread, so take your time with it.
8. Mix it with the dough hook for a few minutes.
9. Then, cover and let the dough rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
10. This is when patience is key, but trust me, it’s worth the wait.
11. Punch down the dough and divide it into two loaves.
12. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise until doubled again.
13. This second rise is crucial for developing flavor and texture.
14. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.
15. Beat together one egg and one tbsp. water, then brush this mixture over your risen loaves.
16. Make a single, long, quick cut down the center of the loaves with a sharp knife.
17. This will help them expand in the oven.
18. Here’s the secret to that perfect crust:
    Place at least 1 cup of hot water in a shallow pan and place it on the rack underneath the bread.
19. The steam will work its magic, giving you that crispy exterior.
20. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the loaves turn golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
21. The aroma filling your kitchen will be irresistible.
22. Remove from the pan and let cool on racks.

Tips And Tricks For The Perfect Crust

Achieving the perfect crust might seem daunting, but with a few tips and tricks, you’ll be a pro in no time. First, don’t skimp on the steam; it’s crucial for getting that crispy shell. Second, keep an eye on your oven temperature; it needs to be hot enough to create that initial burst of steam inside the dough.

And finally, storing your bread properly is key to keeping it fresh. Wrap it in a clean cloth and store it in a bread box if you have one. This will help maintain the perfect texture for as long as possible.

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve baked the perfect loaf of crusty Italian bread, how should you enjoy it? The possibilities are endless. Drizzle it with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a simple, delicious appetizer. Use it as the base for homemade bruschetta, topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella. Or, serve it alongside your favorite Italian soup or pasta dish for a truly comforting meal.

Conclusion

Baking bread is an art and a science, but with this guide, you’re well on your way to mastering the art of the best crusty Italian bread. Remember, baking is about more than just following a recipe; it’s about the love and care you put into it. So, don your apron, get baking, and don’t forget to share your creations with us. We can’t wait to see what you come up with!

Directions

For the Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans or walnuts.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until well blended.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Divide the cake batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
7. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is well combined and fluffy.

Assembly:

1. Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of the cream cheese frosting on top of one of the cakes.
2. Place the second cake on top and frost the top and sides with the remaining frosting.
3. If desired, garnish the cake with additional shredded coconut and chopped pecans or walnuts.
4. Slice and serve your delicious Cake Mix Italian Cream Cake. It’s a delightful dessert that’s sure to please your taste buds!
5. Enjoy the rich and nutty flavors of this Italian Cream Cake!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Baking Time: 25-30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour (plus cooling time)
Servings: 12 servings

Add flavor to your dishes with Italian herb seasoning to use in your pasta sauce, marinades, or roasted veggies!

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp dried parsley
• 2-3 tsp red chili flakes
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp dried basil
• 1 tbsp dried thyme
• 1 tbsp dried rosemary
• 2 tbsp dried marjoram or oregano
  (Or dried sage, if you do have either)

To make the seasoning mix:

1. Into a mixing bowl, add in all the ingredients and give it a mix.
2. Then, is ready to use.
3. Store in a cool dry place, in an airtight container.