Tsoureki

Mix flour, yeast, milk, eggs, sugar, butter, mahleb, mastic, orange zest, and salt into a soft enriched dough.

Knead until smooth and elastic, then let rise until doubled.

Divide the dough into ropes and braid into one large loaf or two smaller loaves.

Proof until puffy, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle with sliced almonds.

Bake until deeply golden and cool before slicing to show the stringy crumb.