How to Make Slovak Easter Paska Bread Peeps

By Barbara Rolek

Eastern European Food Expert

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Here Is What You Will Need to Make Charlotte's Slovak Easter Paska Bread Peeps

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Charlotte Pribish Conjelko and Slovak Paska Peeps - Barbara Rolek

Charlotte Pribish Conjelko and Slovak Paska Peeps. Photo Credit: Barbara Rolek

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Here Is How to Make the Dough for Slovak Easter Paska Peeps

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Dough Portioned Out for Slovak Easter Paska Peeps - Barbara Rolek

Dough Portioned Out for Slovak Easter Paska Peeps. Photo Credit: Barbara Rolek

In a small saucepan, heat milk, 1/2 cup sugar, salt, and butter over low heat until butter melts and sugar dissolves. Cool to lukewarm (no hotter than 110 degrees).
Dissolve yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar in warm water placed in a mixing bowl or stand mixer bowl that has been warmed. Let proof for 5 minutes. Add eggs, milk mixture and 4 1/2 cups flour. With the dough hook attachment, mix on speed 2 for 1 minute.

Continue mixing on speed 2, and add remaining flour 1/2 cup at a time and mix about 2 minutes or until dough clings to hook the sides of the bowl. Continue mixing 2 minutes longer or until dough is smooth and elastic. It will be sticky to the touch.
Place dough in greased bowl, turning to grease top. Cover and let rise in warm place about 1-2 hours or until doubled. This recipe will make 2 round loaves and 40 peeps. Punch down dough and divide into thirds, reserving a small piece of dough from 2 to decorate the round loaves. Shape 2 into round loaves and place in greased round (7x3-inch) bread pans. Using reserved dough, decorate with a cross in center or braids around the edge. Cover and let rise in warm place 1-2 hours or until doubled.
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Gently brush tops of risen dough with milk or beaten egg yolk. Bake 40 minutes or until golden brown and instant-read thermometer registers 190 degrees. Remove from pans immediately and cool on wire rack.
To Make Paska Peeps: After dough has risen the first time, portion out 1/8 cup dough for each peep. Let rest, covered a few minutes.

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How to Roll the Dough to Make Slovak Easter Paska Peeps

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How to Roll Slovak Easter Paska Peeps - Barbara Rolek

How to Roll Slovak Easter Paska Peeps. Photo Credit: Barbara Rolek

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How to Shape the Dough for Slovak Easter Paska Peeps

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How to Shape the Dough for Slovak Easter Paska Peeps - Barbara Rolek

How to Shape the Dough for Slovak Easter Paska Peeps. Photo Credit: Barbara Rolek

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How to Form the Beak for Slovak Easter Paska Peeps

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Making the Beak for Slovak Easter Paska Peeps - Barbara Rolek

Making the Beak for Slovak Easter Paska Peeps. Photo Credit: Barbara Rolek

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How to Make Tail Feathers for Slovak Easter Paska Peeps

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Making Tail Feathers for Slovak Easter Paska Peeps - Barbara Rolek

Making Tail Feathers for Slovak Easter Paska Peeps. Photo Credit: Barbara Rolek

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How to Brush Slovak Easter Paska Peeps with Milk or Egg Yolk

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How to Brush Slovak Easter Paska Peeps with Milk or Egg Yolk - Barbara Rolek

How to Brush Slovak Easter Paska Peeps with Milk or Egg Yolk. Photo Credit: Barbara Rolek

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Bake Slovak Easter Paska Peeps Until Golden Brown

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Baked Slovak Easter Paska Peeps - Barbara Rolek

Baked Slovak Easter Paska Peeps. Photo Credit: Barbara Rolek

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How to Make Slovak Easter Paska Bread Peeps