Christmas Braid

Ingredients

 * 5 	cup  	flour
 * 2 	pack 	active dry yeast
 * 1 	cup 	milk
 * 2/3 	cup 	brown sugar
 * 1/3 	cup 	unsalted butter
 * 1 	tsp 	salt
 * 2 		egg
 * 1 		egg white
 * 1 	tsp 	star anise seeds
 * 1 	tsp 	lemon zest
 * 1 	cup 	seedless Raisins
 * 1 		egg yolk
 * 1/4 	cup 	blanched almonds

Directions

 * 1) Combine yeast and 2-½ cups flour in a mixer bowl-mix well combine milk, brown sugar, butter, and salt in a saucepan, over a low flame.
 * 2) Heat to 120 degrees, remove from heat.
 * 3) Stir into flour mixture.
 * 4) Add eggs, egg white, anise seeds, and lemon zest.
 * 5) Beat on low speed for 30 seconds.
 * 6) Beat on high speed for 3 minutes.
 * 7) Stir in as much flour as you can by hand.
 * 8) Add Raisins and turnout onto a very lightly floured board knead for 6-8 minutes by hand, until smooth and elastic shape into a ball.
 * 9) Place into a greased bowl and turn once.
 * 10) Cover and allow to rise for 60-90 minutes, until doubled punch down, divide in half, and allow to rest for 10 minutes set one half aside.
 * 11) Divide the remaining piece in half.
 * 12) Cut one half in thirds.
 * 13) Roll each third into an 18-inch rope.
 * 14) Loosely braid and place onto a greased cookie sheet.
 * 15) Divide the other half into fourths.
 * 16) Roll three into 14-inch ropes.
 * 17) Braid loosely and place on top of the 18-inch braid.<BR>
 * 18) Cut the remaining fourth into three pieces.<BR>
 * 19) Roll into 12-inch ropes.<BR>
 * 20) Braid loosely and place on top of the 14-inch braid Tuck ends under.<BR>
 * 21) Repeat with the other half of dough.<BR>
 * 22) Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes.<BR>
 * 23) Brush with egg yolks and sprinkle with almonds.<BR>
 * 24) Remove from oven.<BR>
 * 25) Serve warm or at room temperature.