Mix the yeast, 2 tablespoons sugar, salt, 2 tablespoons flour, and milk together and let sit for 10 mins. This is to activate yeast.

Mix butter, eggs, remaining sugar, orange/lemon zest, and vanilla in with the yeast mixture, blend well.

Add remaining flour and mix until it becomes a dough (add more flour if you notice the dough is too sticky).

Knead dough for 5 to 7 minutes.

Sprinkle a little flour in a bowl and place dough in bowl, cover and let rise until it becomes double the size (roughly 2 hours) (photo)

Divide dough into 6 parts (3 strands per loaf of bread), roll out length wise, pinch 3 strands together, and braid. (photo)

Place each braided dough loaf onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let rise (roughly 1 hour) (photo)

Brush top with egg wash and sprinkle with almond slices (or topping of your choice)

Press one hardboiled egg into mixture or you can also place egg onto dough before you begin braiding (optional)

Bake in preheated oven at 350F degrees for 30-40 minutes or until center is cooked through.

Remove and let cool and rack.

Serve!