1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons salt
4 tablespoons melted butter, at room temperature
5 large eggs, divided
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon anise seeds
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Directions:
1. Combine lukewarm milk and yeast in the bowl of a stand mixer. Stir together and rest for 10 minutes until yeast blooms.
2. Add melted butter, sugar, and 1 cup of the flour and beat with the regular paddle attachment of the mixer for about 2 minutes.
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3. Add 4 of the eggs, the anise seeds, and 1 more cup of flour and beat for 2 more minutes.
4. Switch out the regular paddle attachment on the mixer for the dough hook and add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough starts to tighten up. (Depending on the size of the eggs, you may not need all the flour.) Continue to knead the dough for about 3-4 minutes.
5. Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover with a cloth towel, and allow to rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
6. Punch the dough and divide it into 3 equal pieces.
7. Roll each piece of dough into the shape of a thick noodle, about 1/2- to 1-inch thick and 20-22 inches long. Braid the dough together loosely and tuck the ends of the braids under the dough. Place the braided loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.