This bread was first created to celebrate the harvest. It has migrated to a traditional Easter bread. While called bread, it is sweet, and almost cake like.

Ingredients

• 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
• 1 tsp poppy seeds (optional)
• 1 egg

Directions

1. Place the flour on your work surface, creating a well in the center.
2. Alternating, add the dry and wet ingredients to the well. After each ingredient is added mix well with fingers or a fork.
3. Add flour if needed to make a workable dough.
4. Knead the dough until it is smooth.
5. Shape the dough into a ring.
6. Beat the egg lightly with water.
7. Brush the top of the ring with the egg wash.
8. Bake at 350F for 40 minutes, or until the bread is golden.

Note:If you want your ring to be "perfect" you can use a springform pan with the center insert. This will allow you to have a picture perfect ciambellone.
Dust the ciambellone bread with confectioner's (powdered) sugar or use colored sugar as a topping. This bread can be made ahead and frozen. If you plan to freeze it, don't use the colored sugar. The colors run when it defrosts.
Ciambellone makes a great breakfast bread. Slice it up and toast it and spread a thin layer of butter on top. Hmmmmm!

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