Tsoureki

1. 1

   Whisk together milk and yeast. Add 2-3 tsp flour and mix into a paste. Cover and set aside in a warm place to rise. Lightly grease 2 baking trays.

2. 2

   In a bowl, combine 1 2/3 cups flour, sugar and a pinch of salt. Add yeast mixture, butter, unbeaten egg, aniseed, orange zest and 1/3 cup hot water. Stir until well combined then turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 mins, adding remaining flour until mixture becomes a pliable dough. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour 30 mins).

3. 3

   Punch dough down and divide into 6 pieces. Roll each piece into 3 - 8 inch ropes. Braid into a plait and press ends together to form a circle. Repeat with remaining pieces. Transfer to prepared trays, cover with a clean tea towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size.

4. 4

   Preheat oven to 350u00b0F.

5. 5

   Brush each loaf with beaten egg. Bake for 20-25 mins, until golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Let cool on trays for 5 mins then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve topped with a chocolate Easter egg.

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