pastwisk

Pastwisk is a term that refers to a type of Ukrainian Easter bread. It is a sweet, enriched dough that is typically braided and often decorated with hard-boiled eggs. The dough is usually made with flour, eggs, milk, sugar, and butter, and may also include ingredients like vanilla, lemon zest, or raisins. The preparation of pastwisk is a significant part of Ukrainian Easter traditions, with families often gathering to bake it together.

The shape and decoration of pastwisk can vary. A common practice is to braid the dough into a circular or oval shape, symbolizing eternity or the cyclical nature of life. The inclusion of red-dyed hard-boiled eggs is traditional, representing the blood of Christ and the resurrection. Other decorations might include dough cutouts shaped like crosses, flowers, or birds.

Pastwisk is typically baked until golden brown and is often glazed with egg wash or a simple sugar glaze. It is usually served on Easter Sunday as part of the festive meal, shared among family and friends. The recipe and specific traditions associated with pastwisk can differ from region to region within Ukraine and even from family to family, reflecting the diverse cultural heritage of the country. The baking and consumption of pastwisk are deeply intertwined with the spiritual and cultural significance of Easter in Ukraine.