Sweet Anise Bread from Uruguay

Ingredients

 * 1/2 c. lukewarm water
 * 1/2 c. sugar
 * 1 tsp. salt
 * 1 egg yolk
 * 4 to 5 c. flour
 * 1 tbsp. anise seed
 * 1/2 c. butter
 * 3 eggs
 * 2 tbsp. light corn syrup

Directions

 * 1) Sprinkle the yeast over the lukewarm water; stir until the yeast is dissolved. Beat the eggs in a large mixing bowl with a fork until slightly beaten; add sugar, yeast mixture, salt, anise seed, butter, and 2 cups of flour. #Beat with electric beater until well beaten and smooth.
 * 2) Stir in additional flour to make a soft dough. Turn out onto a well floured pastry board and knead until dough is soft and elastic. Do not add too much flour.
 * 3) Place in a greased bowl and cover with a damp warm cloth. Allow to rise until double in bulk.
 * 4) Punch down the dough and make a round loaf, smooth on top with the folded edges on the bottom of the loaf. Place in a deep round cake pan.
 * 5) Beat the egg yolk with the corn syrup and brush the top with a pastry brush.
 * 6) Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or until done.