Frosted Italian Anise Bread

Ingredients

Bread

• 1 package active dry yeast
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted, divided
• 2 teaspoons anise seeds
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/3 cup butter
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 egg, slightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon shredded lemon peel
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Frosting

• 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar, sifted
• 1 tablespoon light cream
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch salt

Instructions

Bread

1. In a large mixing bowl combine the yeast, 1 cup flour and anise seeds.
2. Heat milk, butter, sugar and salt in a saucepan until just warm. Stir to melt.
3. Add heated liquid to flour mixture. Add egg, lemon peel and juice on low speed for a minute, scraping sides constantly. Beat for 3 minutes on high speed.
4. Stir in remaining flour by hand to make a soft dough.
5. Knead for 8 to 10 minutes on a floured board until smooth and elastic. Place in a lightly greased bowl. Turn once to grease, over and let rise in a warm place, 20 to 40 minutes.
6. Punch down and let rest for 10 minutes.
7. Shape into a round loaf, cover and let rise until double (about 45 minutes) in a greased pan.
8. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes in a preheated 375 degrees F oven until done.

Frosting

1. Stir all frosting ingredients together until smooth and spread on the warm loaf.