Tsourekia Recipe

1 ½ lb.  Butter

2 cups milk

6 cups water

12 eggs

4 cups sugar

1 Tbs Mahlep

1 tsp mastique

2 tsp sea salt

2 tsp orange peel

6 Tbs yeast

20-25 cups flour

3 cups sesame seeds 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a large bowl add warm water, milk, and salt.  Add yeast and mix well.  Add 6-7 cups flour and let rise.  In another mixing bowl combine soft butter, sugar, eggs, mastichi, orange peel, and machlepi and mix well.  After the yeast and flour mixture has risen, add the butter egg mixture and combine.  Add remaining flour until soft dough is formed.  Cover bowl with cloth and let rise until it doubles in bulk, about 1 hour.  Divide dough according to what size loaf you would like.  Shape into braids or circles.  Place on large greased cookie sheet.  Let rise.  Brush tops with beaten eggs and sprinkle with sesame seeds.  Bake until golden brown, 40-45 minutes.