Italian Easter Bread

Italian Easter Bread
4 cups flour
2 eggs
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1 Tbs lemon zest
1/2 cup butter, soft
1/2 Tbs baking powder
Optional add -1 tsp poppy seeds, 1 cup dried fruit/nuts
1 egg w/1 tbsp water for brushing top

Place the flour in a large bowl. Alternating, add the dry and wet ingredients to the well. After each ingredient is added mix well with fingers or a fork.

Add flour if needed to make a workable dough. Knead the dough until it is smooth. Shape the dough into a ring on a greased cookie sheet. Beat the egg lightly with water. Brush the top of the ring with the egg wash. Bake at 350 for 40 minutes, or until the bread is golden.

Dust the bread with confectioner's (powdered) sugar before serving. This bread can be made ahead and frozen. Makes a great breakfast bread. Slice it up and toast it and spread a thin layer of butter on top.