Italian Easter Bread

• 1 cup milk
• 2 1/4 ounce packets active dry yeast
• 1tsp vanilla
• 1 tsp anise
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 4 1/2 cups flour
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 stick butter cut into 1 inch pieces
• Egg wash
• 1 egg
• 1 tbs water

1. In a small saucepan heat the milk over medium to 110 F. Add the yeast to a small bowl with the warm milk and whisk it with 1 tablespoon of the sugar. Let sit until foamy (about 5 minutes).
2. Whisk in the eggs, anise and vanilla; set aside.
3. In a large bowl whisk together the rest of the sugar, flour, lemon zest, and salt.
4. Pour the flour mixture in the bowl of a mixer. With dough hook attached and mixer on medium speed, slowly add the milk .
5. Add the butter 1 tablespoon at a time and let it get gently incorporated into the dough.
6. Be sure to mix well when all the butter is added (about 3-5 minutes). Adding more flour until your dough is stiff not sticky.
7. Put a little flour on the counter and scrape the dough out of mixer. Knead the dough a little and shape the dough into a ball.
8. Oil a large glass bowl and place the dough in there too rest. Rub a little oil on top of the dough and cover for about 1-1 1/2 hours.
9. Punch down the dough.
10. Divide the dough into 3 portions. Roll each portion into a strip about 15" long. Pinch the ends and start the braid...you can leave as a long braid or pinch ends together to form a wreath.
11. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rest 45 minutes. Preheat oven to 350.
12. When ready to bake brush dough with egg wash and add sprinkles. Place on a parchment lined baked pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden in color. Let cool on rack before slicing.

milk, yeast, vanilla, anise, eggs, sugar, flour, lemon, salt, butter, egg wash, egg, water

Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/member/views/italian-easter-bread-52807961 (may not work)