Tsaousi (Greek sesame bread)

Instructions

1. Dissolve the yeast and sugar in the lukewarm water and wait 5 minutes.
2. Mix the flour, salt and optional anise, then add the yeasted water and the melted butter.
3. Knead for 10 minutes until you have a supple dough that comes away from the sides.
4. Let it rise for 1 hour, covered, until doubled in size.
5. Shape into a round or oval loaf, place it on a tray and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
6. Brush it with egg yolk beaten with the milk and sprinkle generously with sesame seeds.
7. Bake at 200 °C for 25 to 30 minutes, until the crust is well golden and sounds hollow when tapped.
8. Let it cool on a rack before slicing.