Tsoureki Easter Bread - Red Star® Yeast

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water
• 1 (0.25oz) package (7g) or 2 1/4 teaspoons Platinum Yeast
• 1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon Mahlepi or ground anise seed
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 8 large eggs at room temperature, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, melted
• 7 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (see note)
• 6 eggs (see note)
• 2 cups boiling water
• 2 teaspoons vinegar
• Food coloring
• Colored sprinkles (optional)
• Egg wash: 1 egg plus 1 tablespoon water (beaten together)