Fig & Anise Pull-Apart Bread

Step 1: To make the dough, combine milk and butter in a small sauce pan. Heat until just beginning to steam. Turn off and remove from heat. Stir in yeast and 1/2 cup sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes.

Step 2: In a stand mixer with a bread hook or in a large bowl with wooden spoon, stir together liquid with 4 cups of flour.

Step 3: Wait an hour for the dough to rise, then add 1/2 cup additional flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. While waiting for the dough to rise, go to next step.

Step 4: While the dough is rising, place the figs in a bowl of warm water to soften for 20 minutes. Strain, dry, and place the figs in the bowl of a food processor. Add anise, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Blend until a sticky paste forms. Add more butter or a bit of milk to thin if necessary. Set aside.

Step 5: Preheat oven to 350 F.

Step 6: On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a large rectangle, about 1/4” thick. Spread the fig paste evenly until it covers all of the dough.

Step 7: WARNING: this next step is extremely messy! Cut the dough into 6 to 8 strips, then stack all the strips into one stack. It doesn't have to be pretty or perfect!

Step 8: Cut the stack of strips into 6 slices. Place the stacks SIDEWAYS into a buttered loaf pan. You don't need to fill in the holes/gaps.

Step 9: Cover with a dish towel and allow to rise for 20 minutes. Then bake for 30 minutes and check to make sure the top is not over-browning. Test the center. If still gooey in the middle, cover with foil and continue to bake for 10-20 minutes until done.