1. In a mortar or blender, place the mastic and mahlab grains and grind them. In a bowl, put the semolina, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and the ground mastic and mahlab, and mix well. Add the yeast and lukewarm water and knead thoroughly until you have a soft dough.
2. Take a piece of dough and roll it into a small log shape. Roll it in the sesame seeds and then roll it again so the sesame sticks well. Shape the dough into various designs (koulouria) and place them on a baking tray lined with non-stick parchment paper.
3. Cover the koulouria and let them rest for 2-3 hours to rise. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for 50 minutes or until golden brown. Alternatively, bake them in a wood-fired oven.
