Anise-Scented Italian Easter Loaf

1. 1

   Combine 1 cup of flour with the sugar, salt, and yeast in a bowl and stir well. Put the milk and anise extract in a small saucepan over low heat and warm to about 110 degrees F (43 degrees C). Use your hand to make a well in the center of the flour mixture, pour in the warm milk mixture, and swirl your hand in a circular motion to blend it with the flour mixture. Mix in the butter and the eggs, one at a time, then add the remaining flour until the dough starts to come together.

2. 2

   Turn the dough onto a floured work surface and knead until soft but elastic, about 8 minutes. Cover with a damp cloth and let the dough rest for 10 minutes; then cut the dough in half.

3. 3

   On a floured work surface, roll each half into a ball, then shape the balls into 2 long ropes, about 1 1/2 inches thick and 18 to 20 inches long. Pinch the top ends together and loosely twist the pieces to make a braided loaf; pinch the bottom ends together and tuck both ends underneath the loaf. (Alternatively, form the twist into a ring and pinch the ends together.)

4. 4

   Grease a baking sheet; place the loaf on the prepared sheet and cover with a damp towel. Let the dough rise until doubled, about 1 hour. Brush the loaf with beaten egg and sprinkle with colored decorating dragees.

5. 5

   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake the decorated loaf in the preheated oven until golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Watch closely near the end of baking so the bread does not start to burn. Transfer to a wire rack immediately after baking to cool.

• Calories 214.46 kcal — Moderate 11%
• Protein 6.44 g — Moderate 13%
• Carbohydrate 36.57 g 13%
• Total Fat 3.92 g — Moderate 5%
• Saturated Fat 2.1 g — Moderate 11%
• Trans Fat 0.01 g ▲ High --
• Cholesterol 53.56 mg — Moderate 18%
• Sodium 36.38 mg ⌄ Low Source 2%
• Dietary Fiber 1.63 g ⌄ Low Source 6%
• Total Sugars 6.62 g --
• Added Sugars 0.0 g ⌄ Low Source 0%
• Calcium 30.31 mg ⌄ Low Source 2%
• Iron 2.2 mg — Moderate 12%
• Potassium 60.29 mg ⌄ Low Source 1%
• Vitamin A 22.11 mcg ⌄ Low Source 2%
• Vitamin C 0.04 mg ⌄ Low Source 0%
• Vitamin D 0.39 mcg ⌄ Low Source 2%

Values are per serving. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

• Eggs 🥚
• Milk 🥛
• Wheat 🌾
• Gluten
• Chocolate 🍫