Here is a bit of history behind this Ukrainian Easter bread recipe, Pascha. I’m not religious, and neither is my family. However, there was this one Easter when my mom, unexpectedly, decided to attend church. Easter and church often come hand in hand, and with that comes the tradition of Easter bread. Knowing this, I wanted to surprise my mom by making Pascha, not just for her but also for her friends. I dug up an old recipe, converted it into American measurements because, you know, the whole world bakes with grams, but here in the US, it’s cups and spoons. Surprisingly, my Paschas turned out really well.
Now, here’s the fun part – I didn’t have any suitable baking dishes for the Easter bread. But, as they say, necessity is the mother of invention. So, I got a bit creative and fashioned makeshift baking dishes out of foil.
How to make baking dish for pascha
Here’s a quick hack if you ever find yourself in a similar situation: Since Pascha traditionally requires tall baking dishes, I used a glass as a mold. I wrapped several layers of foil around the glass, carefully shaped it, and voila! I had a Pascha baking dish. It’s amazing what you can achieve with a little ingenuity.
Pascha History and Religious Significance
Pascha, a traditional Ukrainian Easter bread, holds a special place in the hearts of many families, mine included. The name “Pascha” itself is derived from the Ukrainian word “Пасха,” which means Easter. This bread is steeped in history, symbolizing the resurrection of Christ and the joyous celebration of Easter.
Traditionally, Pascha is made in the days leading up to Easter Sunday, reflecting the anticipation and preparation for the this religious occasion.
Easter Traditions
In many Ukrainian households, Pascha is taken to church to be blessed on Holy Saturday. This act symbolizes the sanctification of the bread, making it a sacred part of the Easter festivities. The blessed Pascha is then brought home, and the first slice is traditionally shared among family members as a symbol of unity and the resurrection.
Traditional Ukrainian Easter Bread (Pascha) Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk, scalded and cooled
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
- Dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
- Create a well in the center and add melted butter, beaten eggs, and yeast mixture.
- Knead the dough until smooth and elastic. If desired, fold in raisins.
- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow Pascha to cool, then dust with confectioners’ sugar for a decorative touch.
Storage Instructions
To keep Pascha fresh, store it in a cool, dry place in a breathable container. To maintain its symbolic significance, many families wrap Pascha in a clean cloth and place it in a special basket. Pascha can also be frozen for longer preservation. When ready to serve, allow it to thaw at room temperature or warm it briefly in the oven.
