Italian Easter Bread

Instructions

1. 1

   Blend yeast with warm water and allow 5 minutes for it to dissolve.

2. 2

   Add butter, sugar, milk, salt, orange rind, aniseed, eggs and egg yolk.

3. 3

   Add 2 cups of the flour and beat at medium speed of electric mixer for 10 minutes.

4. 4

   Add 1 cup flour at low speed.

5. 5

   Add 1 3/4 cups flour, stirring until well blended.

6. 6

   Cover bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let rise 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

7. 7

   Punch dough down, turn out onto floured surface and knead 10 minutes.

8. 8

   Gently knead in raisins.

9. 9

   Divide dough into 2 balls. Form two (9 inch) flattened rounds on a greased baking sheet.

10. 10

    Cover lightly with greased plastic wrap and allow to rise until 'puffy' (40 to 45 minutes).