Christmas Braid

== Ingredients ==
* 5 cups flour
* 2 pack active dry yeast
* 1 cup milk
* ⅔ cup brown sugar
* ⅓ cup unsalted butter
* 1 tsp salt
* 2 egg
* 1 egg white
* 1 tsp star anise seeds
* 1 tsp lemon zest
* 1 cup seedless raisins
* 1 egg yolk
* ¼ cup blanched almonds
== Directions ==
# Combine yeast and 2½ cups flour in a mixer bowl-mix well combine milk, brown sugar, butter, and salt in a saucepan, over a low flame.
# Heat to 120°F, remove from heat.
# Stir into flour mixture.
# Add eggs, egg white, anise seeds, and lemon zest.
# Beat on low speed for 30 seconds.
# Beat on high speed for 3 minutes.
# Stir in as much flour as you can by hand.
# Add Raisins and turnout onto a very lightly floured board knead for 6–8 minutes by hand, until smooth and elastic shape into a ball.
# Place into a greased bowl and turn once.
# Cover and allow to rise for 60 – 90 minutes, until doubled punch down, divide in half, and allow to rest for 10 minutes set one half aside.
# Divide the remaining piece in half.
# Cut one half in thirds.
# Roll each third into an 18-inch rope.
# Loosely braid and place onto a greased cookie sheet.
# Divide the other half into fourths.
# Roll three into 14-inch ropes.
# Braid loosely and place on top of the 18-inch braid.
# Cut the remaining fourth into three pieces.
# Roll into 12-inch ropes.
# Braid loosely and place on top of the 14-inch braid Tuck ends under.
# Repeat with the other half of dough.
# Cover and let rise for 30 – 45 minutes.
# Brush with egg yolks and sprinkle with almonds.
# Remove from oven.
# Serve warm or at room temperature.
Category:Christmas Breads
Category:Wheat flour Recipes
Category:Almond Recipes
Category:Anise seed Recipes
Category:Brown sugar Recipes
Category:Egg white Recipes
Category:Egg yolk Recipes
Category:Raisin Recipes
Category:Instant yeast Recipes