This bread is made special by the sweet and aromatic herb called anise. Anise has a licorice-like flavor and aids in gastrointestinal issues as well as menstrual discomfort. Paired with this sweet bread, it can make for a special holiday treat, but is delicious any time of the year. Enjoy with your favorite spread.
- Bring milk just to a boil in a pan. Remove immediately from heat and let cool until around 110° F (43° C) (lukewarm).(10 minutes)
- Add the active yeast to the lukewarm water and let dissolve.(5 minutes)
- With a beater, mix the butter, sugar, eggs, salt, and anise seeds in a bowl.(4 minutes)
- With a clean cloth, cover the simple knots until they have risen to double the size.(1 hour)
- Add the yeast and milk mixture and stir.(2 minutes)
- Slowly stir in the flour until dough is soft and not sticky to the touch. You may have flour left over or may need to add more.(7 minutes)
- With a clean cloth, cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm setting. The size of the dough should double when finished, which can take about 1 ½ hours.(1 hour)
- Preheat oven to 400° F (205° C).
- Have 2 baking sheets ready, lightly greased. Firmly knead the dough and divide it into two pieces. Each piece should then be rolled into a rectangle ½ inch thick.(5 minutes)
- In a pan, boil water over high heat.
- Cut the dough into strips 8x1 inches in size.
- Twist the strips to make a knot and rest onto prepared baking sheet.(2 minutes)
- Quickly dip each roll into boiling water, and place back on baking sheet.(10 minutes)
- Place baking sheets in the preheated oven until golden brown. Check often after 10 minutes.(15 minutes)
- Let cool. Eat the bread on its own or with your favorite spread, and enjoy!
