Italian Anise Bread

Directions

1. 1
   Combine flour, sugar, and anise seed together in a very large bowl; create a well in the center.
2. 2
   Mix warm water and yeast together in a bowl.
3. 3
   Let stand until the yeast softens and begins to form a creamy foam, about 10 minutes.
4. 4
   Beat warm milk, eggs, and butter together in a bowl; stir into yeast mixture.
5. 5
   Add milk mixture to the well in the flour mixture.
6. 6
   Knead flour-milk mixture using your hands until dough and your hands are no longer sticky.
7. 7
   Cover dough with a clean cotton cloth and let rise, 8 hours to overnight.
8. 8
   Grease and flour 6 loaf pans.
9. 9
   Punch dough down and divide into 6 portions.
10. 10
    Mold each portion into a round shape and place each in a prepared pan.
11. 11
    Cover pans and let rise for 1 hour more.
12. 12
    Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
13. 13
    Bake in the preheated oven until bread is cooked through, 45 to 50 minutes.