• Combine 1/2 cup of sourdough starter, 1 cup of whole milk, 2 egg yolks, 1 whole egg, 1 tsp. vanilla, zest of one orange, and 1 cup of melted butter cooled to room temperature in a bowl.
• In separate bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, 1/3 cups of sugar, 1/2 tsp. sea salt, and 1 cup of mixed dried fruit.
• Combine the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir well. I usually start mixing with my spurtle and then finish with my hands so I can feel the texture. The dough should be firm but still a bit moist.
• Shape the dough into a bowl and put a lid on it. Set it in a warm place where it can ferment undisturbed for at least 6 hours. You may also place it in the fridge overnight.
• Dampen a clean counter and remove the dough from the bowl to divide it in thirds. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper to fit.
• Take one third of the dough and roll or pat it out to about a half inch tall on the parchment paper. Form a bow tie-type shape for the wings and be sure it's centered.
• Take the last two thirds of the dough and place it on the counter. Round the center to be the belly and pinch the bottom to flair it out in the shape of a fanned out tail. Shape head and shape an oval with a beak.
• Place the body on top of the wings and settle it to form a dove shape.
• If you'd like to use the slivered almonds, place them on the tips of the tail, the beak, and the wings.

Mix the Glaze

• Mix 2 egg whites, 1/2 cup of almond flour, 1/4 cup of organic cane sugar, and 4 Tbsp. of raw sugar crystals.
• Use a pastry brush to paint the glaze onto the dough, all over to the edges.
• Set the oven to 375F/191C and place the Colomba Pasquale dough into the oven for 15 minutes. Reduce the heat to 350F/176C and bake for a further 30 minutes. Cover with foil or parchment paper if the bread begins to darken beyond a toasty brown. The bread is done when it registers 190F/88C on a thermometer.
• Allow to cool completely and slice like you would biscotti. You can also tear it apart in body part pieces if you're serving kids who couldn't care less about presentation.