Place the flour in a medium size bowl. Put the yeast on one side of the flour and the salt on the other. Set aside.
In a mixing bowl fitted with a dough hook if possible, whisk the water, melted butter, eggs, anise extract, and brown sugar together.
Add the flour to the bowl and mix on low until it comes together.
Raise the speed to medium and mix for 3 to 4 minutes until smooth.
Spray a bowl or container at least twice the size of the dough with a non-stick baking release. Put the dough in the container. covered with plastic wrap. I mark the time on the top of the lid.
Let it rise until doubled, about 2 hours.
Deflate the dough and place it in the refrigerator overnight where it will most likely rise again.
Makes about 920 grams or 2 ¼ pounds.
Fig Filling
Remove the stems from the figs.
Place in a processor bowl and process until finely chopped.
Add the remaining ingredients except the water and process until smooth.
Add the water to make a spreadable paste. It may need more depending upon how dry the figs were.
Shaping and Finishing
Line a half sheet pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
Remove the dough from the refrigerator and deflate it if it has risen again.
Place it on a lightly floured surface, shaping it into a rectangle.
Roll into an 8 x 22 inch rectangle.
Spread the fig filling to within 1” of the borders.
Starting on the long side, roll tightly, jelly roll style.
Brush the edge with water.
Pinch the edge to seal it.
Turn the roll over so it is smooth on top.
With a pair of scissors, cut into the dough about 1” deep to within ½” of each end.
Keeping the exposed cut on top, make an S shape by bending the top down to the middle of the roll.
Tuck the end underneath.
Bring the bottom of the dough up along the left side, tucking it underneath.
Place the sweet bread in the pan on the parchment paper.
Let rise until double.
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
While the oven is preheating, brush the bread with egg wash.
Sprinkle with Swedish pearl or sanding sugar.
Double pan. Place the sheet pan on a second sheet pan.
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until deeply golden brown. A thermometer will read 190°F when placed in the thickest part of the bread.
Cool completely on a rack.