Bunny Bread Easter Treat (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Base Mix

01 - 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2¼ tsp)
02 - ⅓ cup lukewarm water (around 110°F)
03 - ½ cup granulated sugar
04 - 5½ cups flour, with extra for work surface
05 - 1 cup milk
06 - 5 tbsp melted unsalted butter
07 - 2 eggs, large size
08 - 1 tsp salt
09 - 1 tsp vanilla
10 - 1 tbsp fresh orange zest
11 - 1 tsp anise seeds (skip if you want)

→ Topping

12 - Currants or raisins to make eyes
13 - Thin almond slices for the teeth
14 - 1 egg for brushing the top
15 - Oil or cooking spray to grease your bowl

# Instructions:

01 - Mix the yeast with a tbsp of sugar in the warm water. Wait 5-10 minutes until it gets bubbly and foamy.
02 - In a big bowl, stir together the leftover sugar, flour, salt, orange zest, and anise seeds if you're using them. Separately, whisk milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Pour the yeast mix and wet stuff into the dry stuff. Stir until you get a soft dough ball.
03 - On a floured counter, push and fold the dough for 5-7 minutes until it feels smooth. Put it in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it grow for about 1½ hours in a warm spot until it's twice as big.
04 - Push the air out of your dough and cut it into chunks: make a big oval for the body, a smaller round piece for the head, two long strips for ears (bend them into loops), two tiny balls for cheeks, an even tinier one for the nose, and a small flat circle for the tail.
05 - Lay all the parts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to look like a bunny. Stick raisins or currants where the eyes should go and poke almond slices in for teeth.
06 - Throw a clean kitchen towel over it and give it 30 more minutes to puff up while you heat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
07 - Beat an egg with a spoonful of water and paint it over the dough to make it shiny when baked. Cook for 25-30 minutes until your bunny turns golden brown and sounds empty when you tap it.

# Notes:

01 - You'll often find this fun bread at Greek Easter gatherings where it serves as both a tasty treat and pretty table decoration.

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