In a small bowl add the milk, sprinkle the yeast on top. Let sit for 10 minutes, then stir to combine.
In a large bowl or stand mixer using the dough hook attachment, whisk the flour, zest, cinnamon and anise (if using), sugar and salt, add the eggs, butter, vanilla, rum and yeast mixture.
Knead the dough for 18-20 minutes, the dough will be soft, smooth and elastic. Move the dough to a flat surface and form into a ball, place in a lightly greased bowl, cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free area for 2-3 hours or tripled in bulk.
Place the dough on a lightly floured flat surface and pat it into a rectangle, fold the dough like an envelope then form it into a ball.
Place the dough ball in an 8x4 inch / 21x11cm round cake pan, cover and let rise 1-2 hours or until the dough has doubled in bulk.
Pre-heat the oven to 340F/170C.
Bake in the pre-heated oven for approximately 40-50 minutes, if after 35 minutes the top is browning too much then cover it like a tent with foil. The bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom, or better still the internal temperature is 190F/88C.
Let the bread cool in the pan, then move to a plate, pour the glaze on the bread and sprinkle with nonpareils before serving.
SIMPLE GLAZE
In a medium bowl add the sifted powdered sugar and slowly add the milk, mix together until you have a smooth thick glaze.
Notes
To make the bread by hand -In a large mixing bowl whisk the dry ingredients, as stated above, then add the wet ingredients and combine with a fork or clean hands.Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 10-15 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Form into a ball.Place the dough ball in a lightly greased bowl, cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place for 2-3 hours, or until the dough has tripled in size. Then continue with the recipe as written.The baked cooled bread should be stored in an airtight plastic bag, and kept at room temperature, it will keep for up to 3-4 days if properly stored. It can also be frozen in a freezer safe bag or container. It will keep for two months in the freezer.