Easter is a time for celebration, and no celebration is complete without delicious food. One of the most beloved Easter traditions is baking a paska, a rich and sweet bread that is shaped into a beautiful round loaf. This traditional Ukrainian recipe has been passed down through generations and is a staple in many households during the Easter season. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of paska and provide a step-by-step guide to making your very own paska at home.
Easter is a time for celebration and indulging in delicious food. One dish that is a must-have for many families during this holiday is Easter Paska. This traditional Ukrainian bread is not only rich in flavor and history, but it also holds a special place in the hearts of those who make it.
The word "paska" comes from the Greek word "pascha," which means "Easter." This traditional Easter bread is often decorated with symbols and religious motifs, making it a centerpiece of many Easter tables. Here are some of the top 20 Easter Paska recipes that you can try out this holiday season.
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Caramelized Onion Pie for Easter Brunch
Main Ingredients: Pie Crust, Red Pepper, Onions, Garlic Cloves, Eggs
Who says Paska has to be just a sweet bread? This savory pie is a perfect addition to any Easter brunch spread. It features a flaky crust filled with caramelized onions, eggs, and cheese. The combination of sweet and savory flavors is sure to be a hit with your family.
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Nana's Easter Paska Bread
Main Ingredients: Milk, Unsalted Butter, Sugar, Salt, Yeast, Water
There's nothing quite like a family recipe passed down from generation to generation. This Paska recipe is a cherished family tradition for many and is sure to bring back fond memories of Easter celebrations past. Made with simple ingredients like flour, eggs, and milk, this bread is both delicious and sentimental.
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Easter Paska Buns
Main Ingredients: Instant Dry Yeast, Water, White Sugar, All Purpose
If you're looking for a smaller version of the traditional Paska, then these Easter Paska buns are perfect for you. They still have all the same flavors and decorations as the larger bread, but in a more manageable size. These buns are great for sharing with friends and family or giving as gifts.
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Easter Paska Bread
Main Ingredients: Whole Milk, Raisins, All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Instant
This classic Easter Paska bread recipe features a soft and fluffy bread with a sweet glaze on top. It's perfect for those who prefer a more traditional version of the bread. The recipe also includes instructions for making a cross on top of the bread, adding to its symbolism for the holiday.
For those who want to stick to the traditional Ukrainian recipe, this Easter Paska is the way to go. It's made with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, and yeast, but the addition of saffron gives it a unique and delicious flavor. This bread is often served with butter and honey, but it's also great on its own.
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Slovak Easter Paska Bread
Main Ingredients: Milk, Sugar, Salt, Butter, Active Dry Yeast, Warm
Similar to the Ukrainian version, this Slovak Easter Paska bread is made with saffron for a beautiful golden color and flavor. It's also decorated with a cross on top, symbolizing the resurrection of Christ. This bread is often served with ham and horseradish for a traditional Slovak Easter meal.
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Glazed Easter Ham
Main Ingredients: Fully Cooked Bone In Ham, Whole Cloves, Brown Sugar
Easter ham is a staple dish for many families during the holiday. This glazed Easter ham recipe takes things up a notch with a delicious brown sugar and mustard glaze. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors is sure to be a hit with your loved ones.
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Traditional Easter Dinner
Main Ingredients: Spiral Cut Ham, Brown Sugar, Maple Syrup, Pineapple
For a complete Easter dinner, this recipe includes a delicious glazed ham, scalloped potatoes, and roasted asparagus. The ham is coated in a glaze made from honey, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar, while the potatoes are layered with a creamy cheese sauce. It's the perfect meal to enjoy with your family and friends.
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Easter Sunshine Cake
Main Ingredients: Butter Cake Mix, Mandarin Oranges, Vegetable Oil, Eggs
Bring some sunshine to your Easter table with this beautiful and delicious Easter sunshine cake. The cake is made with layers of vanilla cake, lemon curd, and whipped cream, creating a burst of citrus flavor in every bite. It's also decorated with colorful Easter eggs, making it a show-stopping dessert.
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Traditional Italian Easter Pie
Main Ingredients: Powdered Sugar, Large Eggs, Pure Vanilla Extract
In many Italian households, Easter pie is a must-have dish. This traditional recipe features a flaky pastry crust filled with a mixture of Italian meats and cheeses. It's a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for a large family gathering.
A fun and meaningful Easter activity to do with your kids is making these resurrection rolls. The rolls are made with crescent dough and filled with marshmallows, representing Jesus' body. As they bake, the marshmallows disappear, symbolizing Jesus' resurrection. It's a fun and tasty way to teach your kids about the true meaning of Easter.
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Italian Easter Bread
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Whole Milk, Granulated Sugar
This Italian Easter bread is a sweet and colorful addition to any Easter table. The bread is studded with colorful Easter eggs, making it a beautiful centerpiece. It's also flavored with orange and anise, giving it a unique and delicious taste.
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Easter Strawberry Champagne
Main Ingredients: Water, Granulated Sugar, Chopped Strawberries
Celebrate the holiday with a refreshing and festive Easter strawberry champagne cocktail. Made with fresh strawberries, champagne, and a splash of orange liqueur, this drink is perfect for toasting to new beginnings.
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Easter Dirt Cake
Main Ingredients: Oreo Cookies, Cream Cheese, Soften, Butter, Powdered
For a fun and playful Easter dessert, try making an Easter dirt cake. It's made with layers of chocolate pudding, crushed Oreos, and gummy worms, creating a delicious and whimsical treat. You can even top it off with a few Easter egg candies for an extra festive touch.
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Easter Egg - Deviled Egg Chicks
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, Mayonnaise, Dijon Mustard, Garlic Powder
Deviled eggs are a classic party appetizer, but this Easter, take them to the next level by turning them into adorable deviled egg chicks. The filling is made with mayonnaise, mustard, and vinegar, creating a tangy and creamy texture. The chicks are then decorated with carrots and olives for eyes and a beak.
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Dr. Pepper Glazed Easter Ham
Main Ingredients: Fully Cooked Bone In Ham, Whole Cloves, Brown Sugar
If you're looking for a unique twist on the traditional glazed ham, try using Dr. Pepper as the glaze. The soda adds a hint of sweetness and a unique flavor to the ham. It's sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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Easy Brown Sugar Honey Glaze for Easter Ham
Main Ingredients: Light Brown Sugar, Honey, Dijon Mustard, Unsalted
If you're short on time but still want a delicious glazed ham for Easter, this recipe is for you. The glaze only requires three ingredients - brown sugar, honey, and Dijon mustard - but packs a lot of flavor. It's the perfect balance of sweet and tangy and will make your ham shine.
For a festive and easy Easter treat, try making some Easter bark. Made with white chocolate, pastel-colored candies, and sprinkles, this bark is both delicious and eye-catching. You can even customize it by using your favorite Easter candies.
If you're looking for a healthier Easter snack option, try making some Easter popcorn. Simply drizzle popcorn with melted white chocolate and add some pastel-colored M&M's for a fun and tasty treat. It's the perfect snack to munch on while watching an Easter movie with your family.
These are just some of the top 20 Easter Paska recipes that you can try out this holiday season. Whether you stick to the traditional versions or try something new and unique, these dishes are sure to add some extra joy and flavor to your Easter celebrations. Happy cooking and Happy Easter!
The History of Paska
Paska, also known as kulich, is a staple in Ukrainian and Russian households during Easter. The word "paska" comes from the Ukrainian word "paskha," which means "Easter." This bread is traditionally made in a tall cylindrical shape, symbolizing the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The origins of paska can be traced back to ancient times when it was made as an offering to pagan gods. However, with the spread of Christianity, this bread became a symbol of the resurrection of Christ and has been a part of Easter celebrations ever since.
The Ingredients
To make a traditional paska, you will need flour, eggs, butter, milk, sugar, yeast, raisins, and salt. The eggs and milk play a crucial role in giving the bread its rich and tender texture, while the butter adds a delicious buttery flavor. The raisins add a touch of sweetness and a burst of flavor in every bite. Make sure to use high-quality ingredients for the best results.
The Process
To start, mix the yeast, sugar, and warm milk in a large bowl and let it sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with sugar until light and fluffy. Next, add the butter, salt, and raisins to the egg mixture and mix well. Gradually add the flour and the yeast mixture, and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. Let the dough rise for an hour in a warm place.
Baking and Decorating
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and shape it into a cylindrical loaf. Place it in a greased round pan and let it rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the paska for 40 minutes or until golden brown. Once done, remove the paska from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. To add a festive touch, you can decorate your paska with colored sprinkles or candied fruit.
The Final Touch
No paska is complete without the traditional cross on top. To make the cross, mix together powdered sugar and milk until it forms a thick paste. Place the paste in a piping bag and carefully draw a cross on top of the paska. Let it dry before serving.
With its rich history and delicious taste, paska is a must-have for your Easter celebrations. Follow this recipe, and you'll have a beautiful and tasty paska to share with your loved ones.