ANISE SWEET BUNS

1 package yeast
1/2 cup sugar, divided
1 cup milk, scaled and cooled
1 large egg, beaten
4 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, divided
1 teaspoon anise seed
1 teaspoon salt
4 to 5 cups all purpose flour, divided
2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup light brown sugar

Place yeast, 1 teaspoon of the sugar in 1/2 cup lukewarm water for 15 minutes or until foamy.

Stir in the remaining sugar and next 5 ingredients.

Put 4 cups of flour in a bowl; stir in the milk mixture until combined well.

Knead dough on floured surface to make a soft, slightly sticky dough. Form dough into a ball; place in a buttered bowl; turn to coat. Let rise, covered with plastic wrap until double in bulk.

Punch down, knead for 15 seconds. Divide into 24 pieces. Form pieces into balls; arrange on 2 buttered baking sheets; let rise, uncovered, till double in bulk.

Brush with remaining 2 1/2 tablespoons melted butter, sprinkle with brown sugar.

Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes.