Kulich (also known as Paska) is a classic Easter Bread. A tradition shared by Russian and Ukrainian people, this recipe came to me from an Orthodox Christian Nun and has been converted for use with einkorn flour! Makes seven 14 oz can sized cakes.
3tbspheavy cream(or you can use orange juice instead)
Instructions
Mix all dry ingredients EXCEPT 3C of flour, fluff with a fork to ensure yeast and ginger is well mixed.
Add remaining wet ingredients, mix until very smooth (about 5 minutes)
Cover and let rise for 25 minutes.
Uncover dough and mix in the remaining 3C of flour. Mix until smooth, cover and let rise for 20 minutes.
Into parchment lined cans (or paper baking cups) pour batter to half-way.
Pre-heat oven to 350°F and let batter rise uncovered for 20 minutes.
Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until you get a clean toothpick test.Note: 350 may be too hot for your oven, so if the bottoms are too dark, lower the temp to 335° and know that you may need to bake it for a bit longer to get a clean toothpick test.
Allow bread to cool slightly, then remove from the cans and remove the paper. Place breads on their sides on a towel. Roll them often as they cool to prevent moisture build up.
For Icing:
Combine half of the orange zest, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar in a medium bowl.
Add heavy cream slowly, while whisking the mixture, until it reaches a pouring consistency. NOTE: You don't want to it be like water, just thin enough to pour, but thick enough to not run right off.
Allow the bread to cool thoroughly and gently pour the icing over the tops of the breads.
Notes
When you serve kulich, slice on its side into discs. It can be toasted and best served with Paska (a sweet cheese pyramid that is delicious, also known as Pashka), butter, jam, or butter and jam, or just plain!Keep the top and bottom of kulich from being eaten until you have eaten the middle so that the inside stays fresh.Store the cut kulich in the fridge. Uncut kulich can be frozen in freezer bags for months with the air removed.