Scandinavian Cardamom Coffeebread Pulla - active dry yeast

Method

• In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water; add the 1 teaspoon sugar, stir, and let stand for 5 minutes until yeast foams.
• Empty the milk into a pan and warm just to between 105 F and 115 F. Add milk, sugar according to sweetness desired, salt, cardamom, eggs, and half the flour.
• Beat with an electric mixer or spoon until dough is smooth and shiny.
• Beat in the melted butter.
• Add remaining flour 1 cup at a time until dough is stiff but not dry.
• Cover and let rest for 15 minutes.
• Turn out onto lightly floured board and knead until satiny and smooth, about 10 minutes.
• Wash bowl, grease it, and add dough to bowl, turning to grease top.
• Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
• Turn risen dough out onto breadboard and divide into 3 portions.
• Divide each portion into 3 parts.
• Roll out to make strands about 24 inches long.
• Make 3 braids, using 3 strands.
• Place on lightly greased baking sheets.
• Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
• Preheat oven to 375 F. Mix egg and milk to make glaze and brush braids with the mixture.
• Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden, or until a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Makes 3 braided loaves.