Easter Egg Bread

This has become a tradition in our family.  It's beautiful and delicious!

Easter Egg Bread
6 - 6 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 Tablespoons yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups milk
6 Tablespoons butter, softened
3 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup juice from an orange
2 Tablespoons grated orange peel
3 - 6 hard boiled eggs
vegetable oil

Warm up the milk in the microwave until it is HOT, but not boiling.  Mine takes about 1 1/2 minutes.  Pour into mixing bowl with butter, salt and sugar and let it cool down a little.  When it's luke warm, add yeast.  Let soften in there about 5 minutes.  Add eggs, orange peel and orange juice.  With mixer on, add flour one cup at a time until you have a soft dough.  Stop adding flour when the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.  It will still be a bit sticky.  Here's a shot of what my hands look like when I take it out

See?  Sticky.
Mix in your mixer for about 5 minutes.
Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top.
Cover and let rise until it doubles, about 1 hour.

In the meantime, get out all those fun eggs you dyed with your kiddos.  Rub them lightly with oil.

Punch dough down.  Place on a lightly floured surface.  Divide into 3 sections.  Shape each portion into a 24 inch rope. Place those ropes on a greased cookie sheet and braid together.  Bring ends together to form a ring.  Pinch ends to seal.  Gently separate the braids in a couple of places and tuck in an easter egg.  Cover with a towel and let rise for about 20 minutes.

Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.  Rub a little butter on the top while it is hot to make it a little shiny.  Yum!

Linked today at:  30 handmade days, Naptime Crafters, Living Life Intentionally, Sassy Sites, Design Dazzle, Creation Corner