Easter babies are an Italian tradition in my husband's family.
INGREDIENTS (for 6 servings):
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
- 1 cup scalded milk
- 1/3 cup butter
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 pinch salt
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon water
- 6 whole eggs in the shell
- 2 1/4 ounces colored candy sprinkles
PREPARATION:
Mix yeast, water, and 1 teaspoon of the sugar in a small bowl and let sit for 10 minutes.
In another larger bowl, mix milk, salt, butter, 2 eggs, and remaining 1/2 cup of sugar. Add about half of the flour and beat until very smooth, then pour in the yeast mixture. Add the remaining flour, making a stiff dough - can add additional flour if necessary.
Place dough on a floured board and knead until smooth and elastic. Put dough into greased bowl, cover bowl and let the dough rise until doubled in size.
Punch the dough down, place on a floured board and divide it into 6 equal pieces.
Roll each piece with your hands to form a 1-inch thick rope and then shape rope into a "U" shape. Put a whole, raw egg into the inside of the "U", twisting the rope to form a fishtail at the bottom.
Brush each "baby" with the beaten egg, shake on some of the colored sprinkles and place on a greased cookie sheet. Cover and let them rise until doubled in size. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 35 to 40 minutes