Ingredients

25 g fresh yeast
200 g baking flour
100 ml milk , lukewarm
300 g manitoba flour ( wheat flour rich of gluten , alternative 300 g baking flour )
120 g sugar
250 g butter , soft , at room temperature ( or good quality margarine , I used margarine )
1 pinch salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 lemon , zest of
1 orange , zest of
1 tablespoon honey
3 egg yolks
100 g lemon zest , candied
100 g orange zest , candied
100 g marzipan , grated
100 g ground almonds
100 g powdered sugar
1 pinch vanilla extract
2 eggs , white
50 g almonds , whole with skin
50 g granulated sugar
2 tablespoons powdered sugar , for topping
Easter Dove, or Colomba Di Pasqua, is a traditional Italian Easter dessert that is shaped like a dove and often decorated with whole almonds and powdered sugar. This sweet bread-like cake is typically made with flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and yeast, and flavored with citrus zest, marzipan, and ground almonds. It is soft and flavorful, with a mild almond aroma and a slightly sweet taste that is perfect for celebrating the spring season. In Italy, it is commonly enjoyed with a cup of coffee or a glass of sweet wine. It's a great dessert to share with family and friends during Easter celebrations.

Instructions

1.In a small bowl, crumble the yeast and mix with the lukewarm milk until dissolved.
2.In a separate large bowl, mix the flour, manitoba flour, sugar, salt, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and orange zest.
3.Add the yeast mixture, honey, and egg yolks to the dry ingredients and mix until a smooth dough forms.
4.Mix in the soft butter or margarine until well combined, then fold in the candied lemon and orange zest, grated marzipan, and ground almonds.
5.Cover the bowl with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for at least 12 hours.
6.Transfer the dough to a dove-shaped baking pan or round cake pan lined with parchment paper. Brush the surface with beaten egg whites and sprinkle with whole almonds and granulated sugar. Let it rest for another hour.
7.Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F) and bake for 40-45 minutes. Take out of the oven and let cool before removing from the pan. Sprinkle the top with powdered sugar before serving.

PROS

Easter Dove is a delicious sweet bread-like cake with a soft, fluffy texture and a unique Italian flavor.
The combination of citrus zest, almonds, and marzipan makes it a festive dessert perfect for Easter celebrations.

CONS

Easter Dove is a relatively high-calorie dessert due to its butter content and added sugar, so it should be consumed in moderation.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Almonds and ground almonds in Easter Dove are a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, which can help keep you full and reduce your risk of heart disease. The citrus zest is also rich in vitamin C, which is essential for immune health.

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