BREAD:

8 c. flour
3 c. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. mahleb, crushed
6 tbsp. anise seed
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1 1/2 c. milk
1 1/4 lb. clarified butter
2 pkg. yeast
3 eggs

Mix together flour, sugar, salt, mahleb, anise seed and nutmeg. Heat milk and butter until lukewarm. Add yeast and stir until dissolved. Pour over the flour mixture. Add eggs and knead well until dough no longer sticks o work surface. Cover and let rise and rest about 2 to 2 1/2 hours in warm place until dough is doubled. Cut in small pieces. Cover with a warm cloth and allow to rise another 30 to 40 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place the dough in a dry baking tray and bake about 15 minutes or until bottoms are golden brown. Place under broiler for a few seconds until tops are light brown. Take out when bread is golden. Yields approximately 50.

SYRUP:

1 c. Half & Half
1 1/2 c. sugar
4 tbsp. butter
1 tsp. orange blossom water

Combine all ingredients and boil 2 minutes. Place in a bowl and dip each bread in the syrup.