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1
Pour 1/3 cup water that is hot to the touch (about 110 degrees F) into the bowl of a stand mixer.
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2
Gently whisk in the yeast, 1 tablespoon of the flour and 1 tablespoon of the sugar.
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3
Cover with a towel and set aside until bubbly, 5 to 10 minutes (depending on the temperature of the room).
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4
Meanwhile, heat the milk in small saucepan over medium heat until bubbles start to form around the edges, about 6 minutes.
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5
Remove from the heat and stir in the butter, remaining sugar and salt.
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6
Set aside to cool, about 5 minutes.
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7
Using the paddle attachment, stir the milk mixture into the yeast mixture.
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8
Stir in the 2 beaten eggs.
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9
Gradually mix in the remaining flour, fennel seed and almond extract, and beat until a soft dough forms.
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10
Increase the speed to medium-high, and beat until the dough pulls away from the sides and forms a ball, about 5 minutes (the dough will be sticky).
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11
Remove the dough from the bowl and place on a lightly floured surface.
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12
Knead, adding more flour as needed, until the dough is as smooth as a baby's bottom, about 5 minutes.
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13
Put in a lightly buttered bowl, cover and place in a warm spot to rise until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours.
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14
Punch down the dough.
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15
Lightly flour a work surface.
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16
Place the dough on the surface and cut into three equal parts.
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17
Gently roll out each piece into a 16-inch-long rope.
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18
Line a wide-lipped cookie sheet with parchment paper.
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19
Transfer the ropes to the prepared sheet.
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20
Press the ropes together at one end and braid loosely.
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21
Arrange the braid in a circle.
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22
Press the ends of the dough together.
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23
Gently stretch the circle to make it 10 inches across and the hole in the middle 3 1/2 inches across.
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24
Cover and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
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25
Rub the eggs with a little vegetable oil, and then buff with a paper towel.
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26
Gently press the eggs into the dough, evenly spaced.
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27
Cover and set aside until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
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28
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Brush the bread with the remaining beaten egg.
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29
Bake until the loaf is dark golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped, about 45 minutes.
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30
Cool about 30 minutes before slicing.