Cardamom Braids Recipe
- 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water (110 degrees F to 115 degrees F)
- 1 1/2 cups warm milk (110 to 115 degrees F)
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
- 3 eggs
- 2 teaspoons ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 9 cups all-purpose flour
- Additional sugar
- In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add warm milk, sugar, butter, 2 eggs, cardamom, salt and 6 cups flour; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
- Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1-1/4 hours.
- Punch dough down; cover and let rest for 10 minutes. Divide into fourths. Divide each portion into thirds; shape each into a 12-in. rope. Place three ropes on a greased baking sheet and braid; pinch ends to seal and tuck under. Repeat with remaining dough. Cover and let rise in a warm place until nearly doubled, about 45 minutes.
- Beat remaining egg; brush over loaves. Sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 375 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks.
