Easter Bread with Citrus Cream Cheese

Got a bread machine? My aunt makes wonderful Easter bread from scratch. I however, found this recipe that you can do in your bread machine. Much quicker and it turns out great! Serve warm with Citrus Cream Cheese.

Easter Bread

3/4 c. warm water
1 egg
1 Tbsp. unsalted butter
3 c. flour
3 Tbsp. half and half
2 Tbsp. honey
1/2 c. golden raisins (I also like to add a couple teaspoonfuls of Glace Cake mix - that candied fruit stuff - find it in the baking section)
Juice of 1 lemon (~ 3 Tbsp)
Grated zest of one lemon
1 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. active dry yeast

Add ingredients to bread machine in order given (basic cycle). Makes 1 1/2 lb. loaf.

Citrus Cream Cheese

One pint soft cream cheese @ room temperature
1/4 c. frozen orange juice concentrate
1 Tbsp. sugar dissolved in orange juice
Zest of 1 lemon

Beat all ingredients with mixer until smooth. Add more orange juice concentrate and sugar if desired. Serve with warm Easter bread for a wonderful treat at breakfast or brunch! Happy Easter!