Tsoureki (Greek Easter bread)

Method

1. In a mixing bowl place the flour, sugar, butter, eggs, salt, yeast, water, milk, orange zest, mahleb, mastic and cinnamon. Mix together well and form into a dough.

2. Knead for four minutes on a lightly flowered surface.

3. Return dough to bowl and leave to rise for 1 hour

4. Add the sultanas to the dough and divide dough into 3 equal parts.

5. Form the three dough portions into three 'strands' and plait together to form a 3 strand plait-shaped loaf.

6. Brush with beaten egg, place on a lined baking sheet and set aside to rise for 1 hour.

7. Preheat the oven to 200°C/gas 6.

8. Place the red-dyed eggs evenly down the centre of the plait, pressing their bases into the dough.

9. Bake the loaf for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Remove and cool on a wire rack.