2/3 c. milk
3/4 c. sugar
1 1/4 tsp. salt
1 lg. yeast
3 eggs, beaten
6 3/4 c. flour (about)
1 tbsp. anise seed (optional)
6 tbsp. shortening
2/3 c. warm water

Scald milk. Stir in sugar, salt and shortening; set aside to cool. Measure water into large bowl. Crumble yeast into water; stir until dissolved. Mix milk and yeast mixture together. Add eggs. Stir in 3 cups of flour; beat until smooth. Add enough flour to make a soft dough. Turn out dough on lightly floured board; knead quickly and lightly to smooth and elastic, and does not stick. Place in a greased bowl. Cover and let rise until double in bulk. Roll dough into 12-inch rope. Braid 2 ropes together. Place in greased pan.