What are the whole eggs at the end of the recipe used for when baking Greek sweet bread?

Question

I'm making Greek sweet bread and I wanted to know what the whole eggs placed in between the braids at the end of the recipe are used for and are they necessary. I'm not sure if its shape or flavor (hopefully not flavor) but I was hoping I didn't have to use them at all.

Answer 1

I guess when you say Greek sweet bread you mean "tsoureki". Tsoureki is usually baked for Easter celebrations, so red painted boiled eggs are some times placed in the center of it or in between the braids. On Greek easter day, there is a tradition where people hold red eggs in their fists and tap the end against the end of their opponent's egg, trying to crack it. Red coloring symbolizes the blood of Christ.

Tsoureki is nowadays baked on many occasions in Greece (I had chocolate filled tsoureki for breakfast, yummy!), but red eggs are used only on Easter. So you can skip them..

Check my recipies and picture of tsoureki!

Answer 2

I use sour cream, and sometimes I use Libby's Pumpkin which makes the zucchini or banana really moist and extra yummy. Also, I use REALLY ripe bananas and when I prepare the zucchini, I don't grate it, I put it in a food chopper and take that and fold it straight into my batter as opposed to grating, then squeezing it then adding it in. My breads are rarely dry. You could also use a package of instant oat meal and some fruit preserves (this will help hold in the moisture, just adjust your liquid to help compensate for the oatmeal, the same can be said for pudding in the mix), and you could also use 1 cup of mayo/miracle whip in place of 2 eggs, 1/2 - 1 tsp salt and 1/2 cup shortening (or oil), which may help to retain the moisture levels. Hope this helps. PS The oatmeal, applesauce and preserve combo is most excellent mixed in your pancake batter, too.

Answer 3

The eggs are symbolic, and are not necessary when making this bread (answerer above covered this very well). However, I have always added the eggs as it is tradition (I'm American, not Greek), and it brings so much beauty and character to the bread.



I'd add them ;)