*  Exported from  MasterCook  *

                      Cresca (Italian Easter Bread)

Recipe By     : 
Serving Size  : 1    Preparation Time :0:00
Categories    : Breads                           Ethnic
                Cheese                           Yeast

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
     1/4  cup           Water; warmed -- up to 1/2 c.
   1      package       Yeast
   1      teaspoon      Sugar
   2 1/4  cups          Flour
     1/3  cup           Parmesan or Romano cheese*
   1      tablespoon    Olive or Veg. oil
     1/4  teaspoon      Salt -- Pepper
   2                    Eggs

Combine 1/4 c. of the water, yeast, and sugar.  Stir to dissolve yeast and let stand until bubbly.
  Measure flour, cheese, 1 tb. of the oil, salt and pepper into a bowl. Blend. Add yeast mixture and eggs to flour mixture.
Blend well.  Add water by drizzling til flour forms a ball that is smooth and satiny.  Knead. 
 Cover and let rise til doubled, 1-1 1/4 hrs. Or turn onto a lightly floured board, shape into
 a ball and place in a greased bowl turning to coat all sides, cover with plastic wrap and
 let rise for 45 minutes in a warm place. Punch down. Roll or pat dough into a circle that is 8" in diameter.
  Place in a greased 9" round pie or cake pan. Brush with oil.  Let stand in warm place
 til doubled, 50-60 minutes. Heat oven to 350 and bake til done and loaf sounds hollow when tapped, 30-35 minutes.
 Remove immediately from pan.

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