Tsoureki (Greek Easter Bread)

Ingredients

• 600 g flour
• 120 g sugar
• 80 g butter
• 3 pcs eggs
• 200 ml warm milk
• 7 g dry yeast
• 1 tsp anise seeds
• 0.5 tsp mastic (crushed)
• 3 pcs dyed red eggs
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds

Steps

1. 1Dissolve yeast in warm milk with 1 tbsp sugar; let foam.
2. 2Beat eggs with sugar and softened butter.
3. 3Combine flour, anise and mastic; add egg mixture and yeast.
4. 4Knead into a soft dough; cover and rise 1.5 hours.
5. 5Divide in two, shape into braids.
6. 6Nestle a red egg into each braid.
7. 7Brush with egg wash, scatter sesame, bake at 180°C for 35–40 minutes.