Colomba Di Pasqua

Italian "Easter Dove" bread, also called Colomba Primavera, is a traditional Italian Easter Bread with candied fruits and almonds. It is similar to Panettone. You could use for a baked french toast to serve Easter Morning, as I do with the Panettone on Christmas.

If you are lucky enough to have a local Italian bakery, why make your own. If not, the store bought versions are pretty darn good. Of course, we know why we would rather make our own. It's the love of cooking, the ritual, the tradition.... and time spent with mom in the kitchen.

This year, I must confess, I bought mine. Until I dig out my old recipe, I have posted a link to one for you here.

http://www.pastrywiz.com/dailyrecipes/recipes/570.htm

Quick Pizza Dough

A quick pizza dough recipe that we first had at Lucas & Emily's. Now we use it often.
Use the standing mixer with the dough hook attachment. You can, also, use a large bowl and mix by hand, with a wooden spoon.
Try adding fresh herbs for a little extra flavor.
This makes one thick crust pizza or 2 thin crusts.

1 1/2 packages Dry Yeast (3 1/3 tsp)
1 1/2 tsp Sugar or Honey
1 1/2 cups Warm Water
3 3/4 cups Flour
3 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 1/2 tsp Salt

Preheat Oven to 450
1. Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm warm. Let stand 10 minutes.
2. Stir in flour, salt and oil. Beat until smooth
3. Let rest 5 minutes
4. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll out into a pizza sized round. Transfer to a pizza pan or a baking sheet that has been lightly dusted with cornmeal. Add desired toppings
5. Bake 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Let cool 5 minuted before cutting