1-2 tsp dry yeast
some sugar, flour & hot water
1 cup milk
1 stick (110 g) butter, melted
1 1/2 cups sugar
5-6 cups flour
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 tsp ground mahlepi (optional)
1/2 tsp pounded mastic crystals (optional)
1 tsp ground anise (optional)
seeds of 2 cardamom pods (optional)
1 tsp orange zest (optional)
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup sliced almonds
Dissolve yeast in 1 cup hot water, add sugar and some flour and let rise for half an hour. Next, combine the yeast mixture with milk, butter, sugar and flour (start with 5 cups and keep adding, as needed), eggs, spices and salt in bread machine. Knead for half an hour, remove and let dough rise for 1-2 hours. Punch it down and form 2 loaves. Let rise for an hour more. Brush with some of the egg, sprinkle with almonds, and bake at 375F/180C for 40 minutes, or until brown.
Note: Let dough rise as long as necessary.