St. Joseph's Day or Easter Bread

Submitted by Barbara Palmeri, this is a recipe for bread served for St. Joseph's Day or Easter. The shape and added flavor of anise make it unique. Barbara has hosted many St. Joseph's Day parties.

Ingredients

• 3 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 package active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup warm milk (120-130°F)
• 2 tablespoons butter softened in warm milk
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon of anise seed or 1 teaspoon of anise flavoring
• Vegetable oil
• 1/2-2/3 cup sesame seeds for sprinkling on bread

Preparation

In a mixing bowl combine 1 cup flour, sugar, yeast and salt.

Add milk and butter and beat 2 minutes.

Add two eggs and 1/2 cup flour and beat 2 minutes more.

Stir in anise seed or flavoring. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.

Turn onto a lightly floured board. Knead until smooth- about 6 minutes. Place in a greased bowl. Turn dough once. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled-about 1 hour.

Punch dough down. Divide in half. Roll each piece into a 24 inch rope. Loosely twist ropes together. Place on a greased baking sheet and form into desired shapes such a cross or staff. Pinch ends together.

Cover. Let rise till doubled in size, about 30 minutes.

Brush with eggwash and sprinkle with sesame seeds

Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.

Remove from sheet. Cool on wire rack.