Ethiopian Spiced Honey Bread (Yemarina Yewotet Dabo)

Step 1: In a small bowl, stir together the yeast and 1/4 cup warm water. Set for about 10 minutes to let the yeast activate.

Step 2: In a large bowl, beat together the egg, honey, spices and salt until smooth. Stir in the yeast mixture, milk and melted butter.

Step 3: Stir in the flour, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing to form a soft, smooth dough. Do not add all of the flour if the dough gets too stiff. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky.

Step 4: Remove the dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead for about 10 minutes to form a smooth, elastic dough.

Step 5: Place the dough in a large, lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours.

Step 6: Remove the dough again to a lightly floured work surface and punch down the dough and knead for about 1 minute. Form the dough into a round and place on an oiled baking sheet. Allow to rise again another 30 to 45 minutes.

Step 7: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place bread on baking sheet in the oven and bake 45 minutes to 1 hour till bread is lightly browned and sounds hollow when you tap on it. Remove and cool somewhat before slicing.

FOR THE BREAD VARIATIONS

Step 8: Form the dough for this bread into any shape you like. A braid looks very nice. You can also brush the top of the dough with an egg beaten with a little milk for a nice shiny brown crust.