Authentic Italian Anise Bread Recipe

Name: Authentic Italian Anise Bread Recipe
Total time: 10 hrs
Ingredients: 12.375 cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups white sugar; 5 tablespoons anise seed; 0.5 cup warm water; 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast; 2 cups warm milk; 8 eggs, at room temperature; 0.5 cup butter, melted

For generations, my family has cherished this anise Easter bread recipe, originating from a family bakery established by my great-great aunts after immigrating from Italy. As one of the few remaining keepers of this tradition, I'm sharing this authentic recipe. Made in the old-world style, it requires patience but delivers a uniquely delicious and rewarding experience.

Total time10 hrs
Prep time15 mins
Cook time45 mins
Yield6 loaves, 20

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Servings

Ingredients

12.38 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups white sugar
5 tablespoons anise seed
0.5 cup warm water
2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
2 cups warm milk
8 eggs, at room temperature
0.5 cup butter, melted

Instructions

In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and anise seeds; form a well in the center.
In a separate bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Allow to stand until yeast softens and becomes foamy, approximately 10 minutes.
In another bowl, beat together warm milk, eggs, and butter; add to yeast mixture. Pour the milk mixture into the well in the flour mixture. Knead by hand until dough is no longer sticky. Cover with a clean cloth and let rise for 8 hours or overnight.
Grease and flour six loaf pans thoroughly.
Punch down the risen dough and divide into six equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and place in a prepared pan. Cover the pans and let rise for another hour.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 45 to 50 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 448 kcal
Fat Content: 8 g
Fiber Content: 3 g
Sugar Content: 22 g
Sodium Content: 73 mg
Protein Content: 12 g
Cholesterol Content: 89 mg
Carbohydrate Content: 81 g
Saturated Fat Content: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat Content: 0 g