Ingredients

1 cup whole milk
4 cups bread flour ( King Arthur )
2 1/2 teaspoons bread machine yeast ( Fleischman 's )
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon orange zest
1 teaspoon ground aniseed ( plus whole anise seed for decoration , if you like )
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large eggs ( plus 3 dyed Easter eggs for decoration , if you like )
1 egg yolk ( whisked with 1 tablespoon water for glaze )
Tsoureki is a traditional Greek bread that is commonly served during Easter celebrations. The bread is sweet and flavorful, with notes of orange and anise. It is typically braided and decorated with dyed Easter eggs and anise seeds, making it a visually stunning addition to any table. While the bread is most commonly enjoyed during Easter, it can be enjoyed year-round as a special treat.

Instructions

1.Warm the milk until it is lukewarm and set aside.
2.In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, bread machine yeast, sugar, salt, orange zest, and ground aniseed.
3.Add the warm milk, olive oil, and eggs to the bowl and mix until a dough forms.
4.Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.
5.Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a clean towel.
6.Let the dough rest in a warm, draft-free place until it doubles in size.
7.Grease a baking sheet and shape the dough into three long strands.
8.Braid the strands together and place the braid on the greased baking sheet.
9.Lightly beat the egg yolk and water and brush the mixture on top of the dough.
10.Add the dyed Easter eggs and sprinkle with whole anise seeds.
11.Cover the dough with a clean towel and allow it to rise again in a warm place.
12.Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the bread for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
13.Let the bread cool before slicing and serving.

PROS

Tsoureki is a delicious and flavorful bread that is perfect for Easter celebrations.

Making the bread using a bread machine is a quick and easy way to create a traditional Greek recipe.

The bread can be served as part of a meal or enjoyed on its own with a cup of coffee.

CONS

The bread can be time-consuming to make, as it requires two periods of rising.

It is high in carbohydrates and calories and should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Tsoureki is not a health food, but it can be enjoyed as a special treat.
The bread contains protein and carbohydrates that help to give you energy and keep you feeling full for longer.
The use of aniseed and orange zest in the recipe provides antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and promote overall health.

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