FamilyLife - April 2016

Delicious Bread for Easter

Renovating Home

Family of yoga

FamilyLife

Easter Season

April 2016

April Contents

57

51

29

ADVICE

ORGANIZE

FOOD

ON THE COVER

13 Animals and Kids with Autism

29 Renovation Makeovers

57 Easter Brunch

Photography by Erik Putz

FEATURES

IN EVERY ISSUE

19 Secrets of Happy Families 23 Mission Abundance

51 Yoga Families

10 Editor's Letter 64 Last Look

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FamilyLife EDITOR IN-CHIEF Pamela Hayford CREATIVE DIRECTOR Brendan Fisher MANAGING EDITOR Day Helesic FOOD DIRECTOR Annabelle Waugh FASHION & BEAUTY DIRECTOR Julia McEwen HOME & GARDEN DIRECTOR Sarah Gunn TEST KITCHEN SENIOR FOOD SPECIALIST Irene Fong FOOD SPECIALISTS Amanda Barnier, Jennifer Bartoli, Gilean Watts INTERN Rebecca Fallowield ART DEPUTY ART DIRECTOR Lena Diaz ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR Sarah Big Canoe CONTRIBUTING ART DIRECTOR Leanne Gilbert PRODUCTION SPECIALIST Genevieve Pizzale EDITORIAL SENIOR FEATURES EDITOR Megan Howard FEATURES EDITOR Mary Levitski COPY EDITORS Debbie Madsen Villamere, Stephanie Zolis EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Marianne Davidson, Sarah Dziedzic HOME & GARDEN HOME & STYLE DIRECTOR Ann Marie Favot DESIGN EDITOR Morgan Lindsay ADVERTISING SALES, TORONTO GENERAL SALES MANAGER, CONSUMER PUBLICATIONS Kelly Whitelock SENIOR SOLUTIONS DIRECTOR, DIGITAL Myra Thompson NATIONAL SALES DIRECTORS Andrea McBride, Anna Vecera Marto ADVERTISING COORDINATION MANAGER Janice Clarke NATIONAL SALES REPRESENTATIVES Paul Cummins, Daciano da Ponte, Jillian Dann-Macerollo (Team Lead), Cathy Ellis, Gary Forshaw, Kathleen Irish, Joanne Landry, Delainie Marin, Lennie Morton, Erin Suckling, Vanessa Watson, Lindsay Weir (on leave) DIGITAL NATIONAL SALES REPRESENTATIVES Crystal Falls, Akta Sharma, Alex Vaccher SALES ASSOCIATE Patricia Mixemong

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Editor's Letter

Raise Awareness I’ve written in this space before that organ and tissue donation is near and dear to my heart. Over 16 years ago, my brother received a heart transplant.

While we don’t know anything about the donor other than he was a 17-year-old young man, we are grateful to his family every single day for making the choice to donate their loved one’s organs.

A few months ago, my family had the chance to be on the other side of organ donation, as the donor family. We lost my dad very suddenly and unexpectedly to a catastrophic cardiac event. As I arrived home in the middle of the night shortly after he passed, my mom was on the phone with Midwest Transplant Services, making arrangements so that he could donate. While we are all still reeling from our loss, we take comfort in knowing that he was able to help by being a donor. He would be proud.

April is organ and tissue donation awareness month.

If you’ve not had the opportunity to discuss your wishes with your family, be sure to let them know.

One thing I’ve learned is that simply saying “yes” on your driver’s license isn’t all you need to do. Your family will be the ones ultimately making the decision, so it’s essential to let them know you want to be a donor.

Spring is here, and that means it’s time to head outside and play! If you are suffering from spring fever, we have the cure!

Pamela Hayford Editor In-Chief

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Advice

Animals and Kids with Autism The story of Nick and Stitch

By KAREN JOHNSON

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Advice Nick is 15 years old and has high functioning autism, which has caused him difficulty in connecting with peers. As a young child, Nick had delayed social skills and often spoke using repetitive language (referred to as echolalia). And for a long time, Nick’s parents struggled to help their son bond with others, calmly handle personal interactions and speak clearly and calmly when spoken to. Fortunately, much of that changed when Stitch came into Nick’s life.

Stitch is a German shepherd who became Nick’s service dog when he was 7 years old. Once Nick had Stitch alongside him, communicating with others became easier.

People came up to Nick, wanting to learn more about his dog, and this gave him opportunities to practice his social skills. Nick’s parents and therapists worked on a scripted response he could provide when asked about Stitch. Over time, speaking to others became more comfortable for Nick, as he had his buddy Stitch by his side.

Animal Assisted Therapy Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) has proven to be incredibly beneficial for children with autism. According to AnimalAssistedTherapyPrograms.org, an animal in session can help a child with emotional awareness, behavioral management skills, communication skills, gross and fine motor skills, care-taking responsibilities, assertiveness and appropriate social skills—many of the benefits seen by Nick’s parents as he began working with Stitch. For example, proper AAT sets up goals and effective intervention methods as a means for achieving those goals. A goal might be for the child to make a choice between two things. The animal-related intervention could include the child’s choosing which toy or treat to give to the animal or what direction to go with the animal. Another goal for a child with autism could be for him to learn about taking turns. AAT would help by having the child play fetch with the dog.

Other benefits of AAT include improving impulse control and teaching empathy, which are often areas of difficulty for children with autism. The following are quotes gathered from a Facebook support group for families with children on the spectrum:

Ruth: “My daughter has become a bird and squirrel ‘whisperer.' She must stay very quiet to get them to approach her. Thankfully, we live in an area with many parks and backyard birds and squirrels.”

Hope: “Horses relax and calm my son. They help with empathy, responsibility, confidence and self-esteem.”

Diana: “My guy had an obsession with chickens forever.

The chickens helped with his impulse control. He didn't want to scare them.”

Dogs: A Child with Autism’s Best Friend Although success with all types of animals has been reported, the most common animal-assisted therapy is with dogs. “Children with autism may especially benefit from interacting with dogs, which can provide unconditional, nonjudgmental love and companionship,” says Dr. Gretchen Carlisle, a fellow with the Research Center for Human-Animal Interaction at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. There is a caution.

“For families of children with autism, getting a dog should be a decision that’s taken very seriously,” Carlisle says.

“For example, a child who is easily agitated or has sensitivities to noise may have great difficulty with an extremely active dog or one that tends to bark.”

(AutismSpeaks.org) Trainers often have different theories on training service dogs for children with autism. Some trainers will match children with a dog after the dog is fully trained. Nick’s trainer instead matched him with a puppy that was brought home and trained with assistance from a team of trainers. The theory behind this type of training is that the dog and child build a very tight bond. Also, children with autism can have behaviors that a puppy would have an easier time adjusting to. “We trained one time per week for about two years. This training also served as an opportunity for Nick to be a part of a community that gave him socialization and a sense of belonging,” Nick’s mom, Sarah, explains. “It was not without difficulty but was definitely one of the best decisions we have ever made.

Nick and Stitch have an amazing bond that we will be forever grateful for.” (Story of Nick and Stitch courtesy of Sarah Lapinski, Nick’s mother) Whether the animal is a dog, chicken or horse, evidence appears solid that working with animals as a form of therapy is incredibly beneficial to children on the autism spectrum. Animals help with compassion, patience, impulse control and responsibility. And dogs, specifically, can become loyal friends.

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Advice

Secrets of Happy Families

By MELISSA BELLACH

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Advice We see them everywhere: commercials, sit-coms, ads in our magazines and even at our local parks. Those families who seem to have it all together. That picture perfect group who all appear rested, happy and to truly enjoy each other’s company. In this crazy life full of errands, work stress and never-ending to-do lists, how do these families accomplish this? Some of us look on them with envy, but most of us just want to learn their secrets.

Make mealtime mean something.

Mealtime can be a great moment for family bonding.

Encourage all members of the family to participate in meal planning so everyone feels ownership. Put away the devices, turn off the television and make time for catching up and sharing the news of the day! It doesn’t have to be dinner—find a mealtime that works with your family’s schedule.

“When I see those parents who seem to have it all together, I always wonder what their secret is. Some days, I feel so scattered. I feel like that is half the reason moms I know spend so much time on Pinterest and mom blogs— we all want to know the secret for it all to just be a bit easier!” says Emily Thompson, Shawnee mom.

Keep it in perspective.

Some things are worth punishments or conversations and some things aren’t. The world is full of accidents and unintentional mishaps. If a family member hurts your feelings, forgets an important date or does not behave the way you would like, take a pause before addressing it.

When you do approach a family member in these situations, avoid accusations. Talk about your feelings and perceptions while allowing the other person to share as well.

If your family goals in 2016 include achieving a more harmonious household, here are a few tips from metro moms: Don’t overcommit.

A packed schedule doesn’t automatically make a happy family. Keeping your time organized can help keep everyone on track, but allowing time to enjoy the things that matter and protecting your free time can help prevent stress from building up. “When we are rushing from one thing to another, even just on family outings, it is hard to enjoy the time together. Sometimes, just goofing around in the backyard is the best way for us to blow off steam and unwind,” says Becki Carter, Olathe mom.

Get everyone involved.

When you make plans as a family, the easiest way to ensure everyone will have fun is to include everyone in the planning. Take turns choosing where you go and what you do, so each family member gets a turn to voice an option.

“We take turns planning our family time. This takes the pressure off of me to plan something fun each time, and I know when one of the kids picks something, it is something they really enjoy,” Tammy Hield, Olathe mom, says. “Plus, that gives us a chance to try out things they like and keeps us connected.”

Create traditions. Whether it is donuts on Saturday mornings or a monthly picnic in the park, making small traditions keeps everyone engaged and on the same page.

When the group looks forward to the same event, it automatically creates a feeling of solidarity. Traditions are also great for making memories! “We have a monthly movie night. We take turns picking the movie, and a different person gets to pick the snacks each time,” Kelly Mills, Lee’s Summit mom, says. “It is low key, but we all look forward to it. And keeping it on the calendar each month means we all make time for it.”

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Remember what matters.

To keep your stress levels down, put the things that matter most to you at the top of the to-do list. If you can’t concentrate on family game night when the kitchen is a mess, make time to clean up the kitchen—but don’t feel the need to tackle the whole house. “My kids have their things, my husband has his and I have mine,” says Shelly Martin, Overland Park mom. “We each know what we need to do to be able to relax and enjoy each other. We do those things, but we don’t let our to-do lists get so long that they take over.” Some families make a list of family rules or a family mission statement based on what matters to them the most. When life gets too hectic, they refer back to their family’s foundation and are able to find solutions that are in line with what is meaningful to them.

Fostering Affection to Promote Bonding A great way to promote family bonding is by showing affection for one another. When parents demonstrate this behavior, children learn how to provide verbal and physical nurturing. Here are few tips to get you started: Offer verbal praise and reassurance, even for small accomplishments or set-backs.

Check in with each other frequently; being specific generally provides the most detailed response. Ask about a certain class or project when your kids get home from school rather than asking about the entire day.

Physical affection can build closeness and trust.

Everything from a hug to a high-five allows for a positive connection through touch.

Small favors can mean big rewards. If someone in the house is having a tough day, pitch in and help out without being asked. This will show the person he has support and his feelings are being recognized, even if he isn’t verbalizing them yet.

Advice

Mission Abundance

By JENA MEYERPETER

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Advice John 10:10b, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

She was refusing to go to school for the third day in a row. I decided to try a different parenting approach than the previous day’s suck-it-up-you-still-have-over-adecade-of-school-left tactic as we sat on the bottom stair waiting for her carpool ride. So I assigned her a mission. I reminded her of her status as a princess in God’s kingdom and her mission is to give away the love God has given her. The slump of her shoulders told me I needed to turn up the heat on the assignment, so we dug into the what and how details of her mission possible…

Use your words to make three people smile.

Give your teacher a hug and tell her thank you.

Write a kind letter for a friend (during writing time).

Finally, you have to report back to me at the end of the day over after-school snack.

We can know about God and know about the Bible and still miss out on the abundant life God invites us into because we don’t know how a relationship with Him applies to our every day. In John 10:10 Jesus says, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Part of the abundant life we have in Jesus is the joy of freely giving away love to others. It can turn a mundane Tuesday into opportunities for making a positive difference in the lives of people around us. There are important stories and verses throughout the Bible we want our kids to know by heart. They’re foundational components of our family’s faith taught at bedtime, in church, at summer camp, around the dinner table and story time. However, along with the head knowledge, we need to experience the applied truth of God’s Word and see that He can and will transform us from the inside out.

My strong-willed, homebody daughter didn’t magically start skipping off to school excited to fulfill her Godgiven royal calling, but she does come home with stories of seeing how sharing scissors with a classmate or telling the lunch helper thank you made her smile and her heart happy. I tell her it’s the presence of God’s Spirit going with her in her day, and she smiles. As parents, we see her strong personality and intentionally choose to speak to the princess in her as often as possible. She’s experiencing firsthand how faith and love are actionoriented verbs with no duty too small for significance in God’s kingdom.

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Organize A simple and elegant place setting for an Easter brunch Whip up these place cards in minutes. An ordinary gift tag gets a stripe of colour with a piece of fluorescent washi tape, while a hard-boiled egg wrapped in neon thread proves the perfect paperweight. Complement your place card with a hot-pink-edged natural linen napkin.

Pretty tape or thread is all you need to quickly jazz up plain eggs. Simply wrap narrow washi tape around eggs in any pattern you like, or use a hot-glue gun to attach brightly coloured thread. In minutes you’ll have a clutch of eggs ready for display.

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Renovation Makeovers Virginie Martocq shows us her newly upgraded house, perfect for showing off family treasures and entertaining guests.

"I wanted light."

Who can't relate to wanting as much sunlight as possible, especially in our northern climate? Not everyone, however, rips off the back wall of a house and puts in a soaring two-storey glass wall. But Virginie, an interior decorator, former home editor of Chatelaine and co-owner of Heritage Cookbook, is not everyone. Divide up a large wall with gridstyle shelving “The living room is really magical,” says Virginie. She installed walnut panelling on the ceiling to visually lower it because she was concerned the proportions were off. A huge sink-into sofa accommodates a crowd and is the right scale for the room.

Sofa, area rug, Elte. Coffee table, Pavilion. Window coverings, Mera.

Artistic disks, made by Virginie's husband, Mark.

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A complete change-up "Being in design, I've been in a million houses. I know what works. I know the options," says the effusive Virginie. But even for fearless serial renovators like Virginie and her husband, Mark (this is their fourth renovation), the update of this 2,400-square-foot home in Toronto's High Park neighbourhood was ambitious. All that remains of the original house, built around 1900, is three exterior walls and a staircase. A bit of 1970s Florida “I wanted it to be like The Golden Girls, like ’70s Florida,” says Virginie of the new foyer. The wallpaper was her jumping-off point, and a green door announces her bold vision. A narrow bench with drawers keeps front-door chaos under control.

Wallpaper, Farrow & Ball. Custom cushions, sewing, angel interior, fabric (green cushion), Robert Allen. Rug, Ikea. Tiles, Granada Tile.

Door paint, jade green, Benjamin Moore. Light, HomeSense.

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Let bold ideas flow naturally This gutsy reno took only three months to plan but one year to construct. "During construction, there was a guy on a cherry picker welding the back wall, and my contractor said to me, "I didn't know you were building the Eiffel Tower." Neither did I," says Virginie. "I just wanted a sunny room!" She got it. The new living room with its 18-foot ceiling and southfacing window wall glows from dawn to dusk and floods sunlight throughout the newly open concept main floor. But thinking big and bold is second nature to Virginie. Mixing high and low finds The mirror is a French antique, the fireplace design is contemporary, the side table is pure big-box store and the chair is, in Virginie’s words, “kinda cool, kinda ugly, but kinda ’70s, and I like that weird gold colour.”

It was a $35 find at auction. When she got home, a cushion fell off, and she saw it was a Barbara Barry for Baker silk-mohair chair. She guesses it’s worth $7,000. Says Virginie: “Best. Find. Ever.” Side table, Target. Floor lamp, Ikea.

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Exude personality with eclectic accessories In every room, family heirlooms — fine European antiques (from Mark's side) and mid-century modern classics (from Virginie's) — mix with items the couple have acquired, like auction treasures, inexpensive reproductions and big-box finds.

An incredible piece of art by Mark, made from dollar-store toy soldiers, adds bold colour above the living room credenza. He also made the disks on the art wall out of fan grilles and electrical twist-ties. The rosewood wall-mounted units were bought by Virginie’s mom in the ’70s.

A mix of accessories — an antique ormolu clock, a ’60s collage lamp and a candle — form a personalitypacked vignette. “Somehow it all works,” says Virginie.

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Inject glamour with dark-painted panels It's an eclectic look, its era almost indefinable, though patterns, artwork and accessories tend toward a '70s vibe. "I think I'm getting to that age where I'm nostalgic for my childhood," she says. It's a confident look too. Take the den: Not everyone is brave enough to paint a room black. Virginie shrugs it off. "Originally, we wanted walnut panelling, but the budget!

That couldn't happen. This is what you can do with wood and paint," she says, matter-offactly. To create a sense of coziness in the den, Virginie installed moulding and painted the walls a dramatic black shade. The sofa is a mid-century piece from Virginie’s grandmother, reupholstered in a bold modern graphic print. An abstract canvas and a “stag’s head,” cheekily dubbed Plexidermy by the artist, make a statement. “Art is at the core of our house. I think it helps drive the design,” says Virginie.

Sofa fabric, Designer Fabrics. Paint, railings, Farrow & Ball. Coffee table, Ikea. Floor lamp, West Elm. Stag head, Science & Sons. Rug, Elte. Painting, Gerald Gladstone.

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A home for entertaining It's the kind of pragmatic approach with dramatic effect that characterizes Virginie's style — in business, design and even entertaining, which she loves to do. "My house is entertainment central," says Virginie, who calls herself queen of the last minute. "On Friday night, I'll call everyone I know until I find someone who can come over," she says. Which leaves us with only one question: How do we get on this woman's speed-dial?

Repeat one colour throughout to create a cohesive look The mid-century end chairs in the dining room are from Virginie’s grandmother, who was an interior designer. The side chairs from a big-box store are perfect for the kids — easy to wipe down — and stylish. Virginie opts for small votive candles and individual flower stems in low vases instead of a large centrepiece, to foster conversation and allow for easy eye contact across the table. Side chairs, HomeSense.

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Choose practical carpet for a dining room Virginie loves how area rugs define a dining room and help with acoustics, but they’re impractical with young children. She solved the problem with modular carpet tiles in pink. “You can just pick up one square and give it a clean,” she says. She was going to order the chandelier in brushed nickel first, then she opted for black; finally she settled on gold. (It’s nice to know even the pros have second thoughts!)

Carpet tiles, Flor. Chandelier, Universal Great Lighting. Artwork, Harold Town.

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Shed unnecessary spending Virginie limited the tile in the master bathroom to the shower. It was a budget-friendly choice that allowed her to splurge on other things, like the stand-alone tub and herringbone floors.

Vanity, tub, faucets, Ginger's. Light, Elte. Floors, AA Floors.

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Hang art in an open concept kitchen Virginie’s new open concept kitchen opens to the den on one side and the dining room on the other, allowing her to be a part of the party while she prepares dishes. “This is what I call my ‘un-kitchen,’” says Virginie. “It was a bit of a fantasy from a company called Bulthaup, which makes such subtle kitchens.” It was a splurge, but in the open concept space, Virginie really wanted the room to blend in. “I didn’t want the whole house to be dominated by an industrial stove and sink.” She opted against an eat-at island because she prefers to serve sit-down meals for the family. Art hung with suction cups on the glass backsplash can be moved around when the fancy strikes her.

Cabinets, countertop, Bulthaup.

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Create contrast between walls and art Orange disks by artist Nil Yalter stand out in the master bedroom against the moody blue walls. Paint, Evening Dove, Benjamin Moore. Bed, EQ3. Wall sconces, Restoration Hardware. Bed linens, HomeSense.

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“April hath put a spirit of youth in everything.”

– William Shakespeare

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Yoga Families Little did Tyler Killick know that a back injury would lead to his family becoming yoga poster children.

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How did a low-key family of six living on a farm in rural Alberta end up on the cover of the New York Times Magazine? Yoga. When all four Killick kids—Von, 21; Gil, 17; Sami, 16; and Tobi, 14—went to the International Yoga Sport Championship in Los Angeles last June, a reporter took notice of the quirky clan. Their parents, Tyler and Glenna, began practising Bikram (hot) yoga three years ago when Tyler hurt his back, and the two tried a class on a rare date night. It wasn’t long before the kids joined in, enticed by the challenge of holding poses in a 40C room.

And they’ve been popping up in the news ever since.

Glenna finds all the interest a bit bizarre. “We’re just a normal family,” she says.

Depends on your definition of normal. Not many families would move to a farm with no plumbing and bathe outdoors in a cow trough in -20C weather. But the Killicks came to look forward to evenings in their makeshift hot tub heated by a firepit underneath. “We actually miss it,” says Glenna. Since those days, they’ve built a house, started a vegetable garden and collected a menagerie.

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Glenna credits yoga as the glue that helps keep them so close. While most families struggle to eat dinner together, this family can’t seem to get enough of each other: The children are home-schooled and all four kids play in a band. Glenna books the gigs.

Yoga gives them a unique kind of unity, Glenna says. “It would be difficult to play basketball with my kids, because we have different skill levels. With yoga, we can practise together even though we have different capabilities.”

Glenna appreciates the intense nature of Bikram, which is both literally and figuratively stripped down. “When I step into the yoga room, it reminds me to accept those things I can’t change and to accept myself at any age.” But she doesn’t seem all that fussed about getting older. When asked her age, Glenna calls on her daughter, Sami, to remind her. “I was born in ’69, so…”

Food

Bread of Life

A luxurious (and easy) sweet dough that comes with brown sugar, cinnamon and a twist.

Photo, Erik Putz

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Easter Brunch Spring has sprung (well, technically), which means the Easter long weekend is almost here. And there are tons of baked goods you could bake up for the holiday! Here are some of our top hits, including everything from soft hot-cross buns and glazed monkey bread for late Sunday brunch, to an elegant cinnamon-twist wreath that’s perfect for a crowd.

Photo, Erik Putz

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Food

Cinnamon twist wreath PREP TIME:30 MINS TOTAL TIME:3 HOURS 8 g active dry yeast , (2 1/4 tsp) 1/3 cup warm water , (120F to 130F) 1/2 cup warm milk , (120F to 130F) 1/4 cup unsalted butter , melted (60 g) 2 egg yolks 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour , (435 g) 1/4 cup granulated sugar , (50 g) 1 tsp salt , (6 g) 2 tbsp icing sugar , for dusting Filling 1/2 cup unsalted butter , at room temperature (125 g) 1/2 cup brown sugar , (103 g) 1 tbsp cinnamon , (2 g) Egg Wash 1 egg , beaten (50 g) 1 tbsp water

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1.Combine yeast with warm water in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook. Let stand until frothy, 10 min. Beat in warm milk, 1/4 cup melted butter and yolks until combined. Add flour, granulated sugar and salt 2. Beat on medium, until dough is smooth and pulls cleanly away from the bottom and sides of bowl, 4 to 6 min.

Transfer to a lightly oiled bowl and cover loosely with a damp kitchen towel. Let rest until dough is doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 325F. Line a baking sheet with parchment. Stir 1/2 cup butter with brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Beat egg with 1 tbsp water in a small bowl until combined.

3.Roll dough on a lightly floured surface into a 22 × 12 in. rectangle, trimming edges if needed. Spread butter mixture evenly over dough to the edges. With the long edge facing you, tightly roll up dough in jelly roll fashion (3). End roll with seam-side up.

Use a sharp knife to cut the log lengthwise in half along the seam (4).

Tightly weave the two pieces together, leaving the cut sides exposed. Gently transfer to prepared sheet. Brush a 2in. portion of one woven end with egg wash (5). Form into a wreath, firmly pinching the egg-washed end underneath the other to seal (6).

Cover with same damp kitchen towel and let rise until doubled, 1 more hour.

4. Bake in centre of oven until bread is deep golden, 35 to 40 min. Cool slightly. Dust with icing sugar before serving.

Food

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Braided bread with Mini Eggs

2.Line a large baking sheet with parchment. Turn dough out onto a very lightly floured surface. Divide into 6 equal portions. Keep under damp towel. Working with 1 piece at a time, PREP TIME:45 MINS divide into 3 smaller equal pieces. Roll TOTAL TIME:3 HOURS 15 MINS each piece into an 8-in.-long rope.

3 cups all-purpose flour , divided (405 Arrange 3 ropes side-by-side. Braid dough, then pinch each end to secure g) and tuck underneath loaf. Repeat with 1/4 cup granulated sugar , (50 g) remaining dough. Transfer to prepared 8 g quick-rise yeast , (2 1/4 tsp) sheet. Cover loosely with damp 1/2 cup warm milk , (125 g) kitchen towel and let rest for 1 more 1/3 cup warm water hour.

2 tbsp unsalted butter , melted 2 eggs , at room temperature, divided (100 g) 3.Preheat oven to 350F. Whisk 1 tsp salt , (6 g) remaining egg with 2 tsp water in a 2 tsp water small bowl. Brush over tops of dough 32 Mini Egg chocolates .

4.Bake in centre of oven until deep golden, 20 min. Remove from oven 1.Combine 1 cup flour with sugar and and immediately tuck candies in and yeast in the bowl of a stand mixer around braids. Let stand for 10 min. fitted with the dough hook. Beat in Serve warm with butter. warm milk, 1/3 cup warm water, butter, 1 egg and salt until combined. Beat in remaining 2 cups flour on medium until dough is smooth and pulls cleanly away from bottom and sides of bowl, 5 to 6 min. Transfer to a lightly oiled bowl and cover loosely with a damp kitchen towel. Let rest until dough is doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Food Braided bread with Mini Eggs 2 eggs , at room temperature, beaten, divided 3 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1 tsp salt 1 8 g pkg quick-rise yeast 1/2 cup milk , 2% 2 tbsp unsalted butter 1/3 cup sliced almonds , for topping (optional) 2 tbsp coarse sugar , for topping (optional)

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1.Reserve 1 ½ tbsp of beaten egg in a small bowl and refrigerate. Stir flour with granulated sugar, salt and yeast in bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Combine milk, butter and ⅓ cup warm water in a measuring cup. Microwave on high until mixture reaches about 110F, about 30 sec. (Liquid must be warm to activate the yeast.)

2.Form a well in the centre of flour mixture. Pour in milk mixture and remaining beaten egg. Stir at low speed until just combined, about 30 sec. Replace paddle with dough hook.

Increase speed to medium-high and knead until dough is very smooth and pulls cleanly away from sides and bottom of bowl, about 5 min. (If stand mixer moves around while it kneads, you may have to hold the bowl in place.) Remove hook. Cover bowl with a damp kitchen towel (not terry cloth) and let rise in an unheated oven until doubled in size, about 1 hr.

3.Line a large baking sheet with parchment. Set aside. Transfer dough to a lightly floured counter. Punch down dough, then divide into 3 equal portions. Roll each portion into a long, thin rope about 28 in. long. Arrange ropes side by side, then braid together. Form into a wreath, tucking one end under the other. Place on prepared sheet. Cover with kitchen towel and let stand for 1 hr.

4.Position rack in centre of oven, then preheat to 350F. Brush tops and sides of wreath with reserved beaten egg.

Sprinkle with almonds and coarse sugar, if desired.

5.Bake until top is golden brown, 30 to 35 min. Serve warm with butter, or cool on a rack. Bread will keep, covered, at room temp up to 3 days.

Last Look

Movies

The Jungle Book April 15 In the jungles of India, Mowgli (Neel Sethi) is a "man-cub" raised by the wolf Raksha (Lupita Nyong'o) and her pack, led by Akela, in an Indian jungle ever since he was brought to them as an infant by the black panther Bagheera (Ben Kingsley). Bagheera trains Mowgli to learn the ways of the wolves, but the boy faces certain challenges and falls behind his wolf siblings, while Akela objects to him using human "tricks", like building tools, instead of learning the ways of the pack.

Courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures

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