Recipe: Greek Sweet Bread (using anise flavoring, makes 4-5 loaves, 1980's)

GREEK SWEET BREAD

4 envelopes dry yeast
1 quart milk, scalded and cooled to lukewarm
1 pound butter, melted, at room temperature
8 eggs, beaten
3 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon anise flavoring
5 to 6 pounds flour
Egg yolks, beaten
Sesame seeds

Dissolve yeast in scalded, milk that has been cooled to lukewarm and add to room temperature melted butter. Add eggs. Blend in sugar and anise.

Sift flour and add little by little, until a very soft dough is formed. Knead well, cover and let rise about 1 hour, or until double in size.

Knead and let rise again as before.

Shape into desired loaf size and place in buttered loaf pans. Brush with beaten egg yolks. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and let rise again.

Bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven for 30 minutes, or until deep brown.

Makes 4 to 5 loaves depending on size of pans
From: Thalia Kyriakides Economus (Mrs. George C.)
Source: With Great Gusto by The Junior League of Youngstown, Ohio, 1987