Greek Cristopsomo Christmas Bread Recipe

How to make it

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• Crush anise seeds with mortar and pestle.
• Combine milk, sugar, salt, butter and anise seeds and bring to a boil.
• Cool to lukewarm.
• Sprinkle yeast over water and 1 tsp. sugar and dissolve.
• Combine with lukewarm milk/butter mixture.
• Beat eggs in mixer bowl and add the milk/yeast mixture.
• Gradually add 1 1/2 cups sifted flour to liquid.
• Beat two minutes with electric mixer.
• Gradually add four cups flour.
• Turn out onto lightly floured board and knead until smooth and
• elastic, about 8-10 minutes, adding more flour if necessary. (Here I add a few more anise seeds).
• Place in greased bowl, cover and set in warm place until doubled.
• Punch down and knead lightly onto floured board. Pinch off two small pieces of dough.
• Set aside.
• Shape the bulk of the dough into a round loaf, place pucker
• side down on greased baking sheet.
• Flatten with palm of hand.
• Roll each of thesmall balls into 14-inch ropes, cut a 5-inch slash at the end of each.
• Lay ropes on loaf, crossing ropes at center of loaf.
• Curl slashed ends away from the center, forming a small circle. Place walnut halves in each circle and one in center of cross.
• Cover and let rise until doubled in size.
• Brush with slighted beaten egg white.
• Bake at 350° for 45 minutes or until hollow sounding when tapped.
• Before cutting this loaf, the Greek father makes the sign of the cross with a knife and wishes everyone joy and health.