A Greek feast
TSOUREKI (GREEK BRIOCHE)
Even the kids can lend a hand when making this braided bread loaf. It takes a little planning and effort but the result is absolutely worth it.
MAKES 2 LARGE LOAVES PREPARATION: 30 MIN RISING: 3-4 HOURS BAKING: 35-40 MIN
250ml (1c) milk
250g butter
125ml (½c) sugar
125ml (½c or less) cold water
1 packet (10g) instant yeast
1kg bread flour + extra for rolling
grated zest of 1 orange
5ml (1t) allspice
2,5ml (½t) each ground cinnamon and aniseed
5ml (1t) salt
4 eggs
5ml (1t) vanilla essence
TO FINISH
1 egg beaten with a bit of water
handful almond flakes
Keep an electric mixer with a dough hook handy. Line a large baking sheet with greased baking paper.
1 Heat the milk, half the butter and the sugar in a small saucepan. Stir continuously until the sugar has dissolved.
2 Transfer the mixture to a large jug and add the water. Stir in the yeast, then leave to stand for 15 minutes or until foam forms on top.
Mix the
