Italian Anise Bread - all-purpose

Method

• Combine flour, sugar, and anise seed together in a very large bowl; create a well in the center.
• Mix warm water and yeast together in a bowl.
• Let stand until the yeast softens and begins to form a creamy foam, about 10 minutes.
• Beat warm milk, eggs, and butter together in a bowl; stir into yeast mixture.
• Add milk mixture to the well in the flour mixture.
• Knead flour-milk mixture using your hands until dough and your hands are no longer sticky.
• Cover dough with a clean cotton cloth and let rise, 8 hours to overnight.
• Grease and flour 6 loaf pans.
• Punch dough down and divide into 6 portions.
• Mold each portion into a round shape and place each in a prepared pan.
• Cover pans and let rise for 1 hour more.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Bake in the preheated oven until bread is cooked through, 45 to 50 minutes.