ANISE BREAD RECIPES

Steps:

• Combine flour, sugar, and anise seed together in a very large bowl; create a well in the center.
• Mix warm water and yeast together in a bowl. Let stand until the yeast softens and begins to form a creamy foam, about 10 minutes.
• Beat warm milk, eggs, and butter together in a bowl; stir into yeast mixture. Add milk mixture to the well in the flour mixture. Knead flour-milk mixture using your hands until dough and your hands are no longer sticky. Cover dough with a clean cotton cloth and let rise, 8 hours to overnight.
• Grease and flour 6 loaf pans.
• Punch dough down and divide into 6 portions. Mold each portion into a round shape and place each in a prepared pan. Cover pans and let rise for 1 hour more.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Bake in the preheated oven until bread is cooked through, 45 to 50 minutes.

Steps:

• Dissolve the yeast in 1/4 cup of the water. Add the honey (or sugar) and let stand until foamy, about 5 to 10 minutes.
• Add the remaining water, oil, anise, salt, and 2 cups of the flour to a large bowl. Gradually stir in the remaining flour until the mixture holds together.
• On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover loosely with a towel or plastic wrap and let rise at room temperature until double in bulk, about 1 1/2 hours.
• Punch down the dough and divide in half. Shape each piece into a ball, cover, and let rest for about 10 minutes.
• Sprinkle a large baking sheet with cornmeal or fine semolina (or you can grease the baking sheet). Flatten each dough ball into a 6-inch round. Some cooks flute the outer edge, others leave it plain; it's your choice. Place the rounds on the prepared baking sheet, cover, and let.
• Preheat the oven to 375°F.
• Pierce the dough around the sides with the tines of a fork or a toothpick. Beat egg whites with water, and brush the tops of the loaves with the egg white mixture. Then lightly sprinkle the top of the loaf with the sesame seeds.
• Bake at 375° until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped, about 30 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.