Paska is a type of yeast bread typically served at Easter time. It is usually made from flour, sugar, butter and eggs. A cross is normally made from strips of dough braided together, then placed on top of the loaf. Paska can also contain fruit, such as raisins or cherries. The bread can also be glazed with a cheese spread or frosting, and might also be garnished with sprinkles.
This Easter food is thought to have originated in Poland or Ukraine. It was believed to have been introduced to the United States by people of the Mennonite faith. It is also popular among Christians in Canada as well.
Only a few ingredients are needed in order to make paska. These include butter, eggs, flour, and sugar. In some cases, cream might be used. Yeast is normally used as a leavening agent, but baking soda might also be used to help the dough rise.
Paska is typically baked in a round pan especially designed for making this Easter bread. This is to keep the bread round and very tall. Some people may prefer to use a regular loaf pan or round cake pan instead.
Before placing it in the oven, a cross might be added to the top of a loaf of paska. This is usually done by braiding extra pieces of dough together, then forming the shape with them. This is done to symbolize the death of Jesus. Braided dough might also be placed around the edges of the bread for decoration as well.
This dish can be served as either a side dish or a dessert. When eaten along with the main course of an Easter meal, paska is usually created without any fruit in it. The top of it might be drizzled with butter, much like traditional yeast rolls.
Other times, paska might be enjoyed as a dessert. In these instances, it normally contains cherries or white raisins in the dough. The top of this Easter food could contain a glaze made from cottage cheese or cream cheese. It might also have a thin icing made from powdered sugar and milk. Some people also add sprinkles to the top of this dish.
Although it is often eaten at Easter, paska is a welcome addition to the table any time of the year. Making this bread can be somewhat challenging at first, but becomes easier after a few tries. People who enjoy experimenting with new recipes that allow them to add their own special touches might want to try making this bread.