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1. Combine yeast, warm water, 1 teaspoon sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, and ¼ teaspoon salt in a bowl. Let stand in a warm place until mixture bubbles and foams, about 10 minutes.
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2. In a large bowl, beat together 4 eggs, 1½ cups sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, cooled milk, and yeast mixture. Add 3 cups of flour and masticha or vanilla extract. Add melted butter, almonds, raisins, and lemon peel.
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3. Continue to add flour and knead well about 5 minutes, or until dough is quite stiff but elastic. Place in greased bowl.
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4. Cover first with plastic wrap and then with a damp towel. Let dough rise in a warm place until double in bulk. Punch down and turn over in bowl.
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5. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes more. Shape dough into 6 ropes and braid 3 at a time. Place braids on a lightly greased cookie sheet and let rise for 40 minutes.
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6. Preheat oven to 350°.
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7. Beat remaining egg and brush each braid with it. Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
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VARIATION:
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1 cup mixed candied fruit can be added with the almonds.
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NOTE:
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Masticha is a flavoring made from the sap of the mastichodendro bush, which grows only on the island of Chios.
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