Baking Priest Says Bread Brings Meaning And Tradition To Easter

Summary: "Bread for Easter is one way of bring some tradition and meaning back to the holiday."

When immigrants from the four corners of Europe came to America, they brought a variety of traditional Easter bread recipes. Now chocolate Easter bunnies, yellow marshmallow chicks and jelly beans signify the holiday but at one time families served Easter breads, which are rich in symbolism and history. Father Dominic Garramone, a Catholic priest, cookbook author and host of the TV show "Breaking Bread with Father Dominic," would like to ensure that Easter bread traditions are not forgotten. "Bread for Easter is one way of bringing some tradition and meaning back to the holiday," he says. Here are two of his tried-and-true brunch recipes: French Toast Custard Casseroles For each casserole, you will need: 1 egg 2 Tbs. whole or reduced-fat milk 2 thick or 3 medium slices of day-old bread (store- bought bread works well) 2 Tbs. chopped pecans 1/3 cup maple-flavored syrup 1 Tbs. butter 1 small ovenproof bowl, about 5" across and 2" deep (a small soup bowl with a handle works well.) Preheat oven to 350