How to Bake Tsoureki (Greek Sweet Bread)

Tsoureki is a traditional Greek sweet bread that is typically served during Easter but is also enjoyed throughout the year. It has a soft and fluffy texture and is flavored with aromatic ingredients such as orange zest and mahlab, which give it a unique taste.

Here is a recipe to make Tsoureki at home:

Ingredients: - 1 1/2 cups warm milk (110°F) - 2 packages active dry yeast - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 3 eggs - 1 tsp vanilla extract - 1 tsp mahlab - 1 tsp grated orange zest - 6 cups all-purpose flour - 1 egg yolk, beaten with 1 tsp water - 1/4 cup slivered almonds - 1/4 cup sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the warm milk, yeast, and 1/4 cup of sugar. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.

2. Add the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, mahlab, and orange zest to the bowl and whisk everything together until well combined.

3. Gradually add the flour to the bowl, one cup at a time, stirring with a wooden spoon until the dough becomes too stiff to stir.

4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours until it doubles in size.

5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

6. Punch down the dough and divide it into three equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope about 1 1/2 inches thick. Braid the ropes together, tucking the ends under, and place the braided dough on a greased baking sheet.

7. Brush the egg yolk mixture over the top of the bread and sprinkle the slivered almonds and sesame seeds on top.

8. Bake the bread in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

9. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your homemade Tsoureki!