Although the roast lamb is the main attraction, for many of us the side dishes are just as important. When they are homemade, all the better! This year we are enjoying a typical Greek salad with all the trimmings, Yiayia’s recipe for green beans, roasted potatoes, spanakotyropita (spinach and cheese pie), tyropita (cheese pie), and of course tsoureki (Greek sweet bread). My mother’s recipe for tsoureki is quite unique, as she does not use the traditional mahlepi for its seasoning, but rather anise. It is an all day process which requires lots of kneading, two risings (proofing) of the dough, and braiding the dough before baking. The result is an airy, sweetness that is greatly anticipated and hugely appreciated.