Combine yeast, warm water, 1 teaspoon sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a bowl. Let stand in a warm place until mixture bubbles and foams, about 10 minutes. In a large bowl, beat together 4 eggs, 11/2 cups sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, cooled milk, and yeast mixture. Add 3 cups of flour and masticha or vanilla extract. Add melted butter, almonds, raisins, and lemon peel. Continue to add flour and knead well about 5 minutes, or until dough is quite stiff but elastic. Place in greased bowl. Cover first with plastic wrap and then with a damp towel. Let dough rise in a warm place until double in bulk. Punch down and turn over in bowl. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes more. Shape dough into 6 ropes and braid 3 at a time. Place braids on a lightly greased cookie sheet and let rise for 40 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat remaining egg and brush each braid with it. Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Yield: 2 large braids.

Note: Masticha is a flavoring made from the sap of the mastichodendro bush, which grows only on the island of Chios.

 Variation: 1 cup mixed candied fruit can be added with the almonds.