Cardamom Holiday Bread

Name: Cardamom Holiday Bread
Ingredients: 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast; 3/4 cup warm water (110° to 115°); 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk; 4 large eggs, room temperature, beaten; 1 cup sugar; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 1 to 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom; 1 teaspoon salt; 7-1/2 to 8 cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups confectioners' sugar; 3 to 4 tablespoons 2% milk; Halved candied cherries; Toasted sliced almonds

13 ingredients

5 steps

Ingredients

2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
4 large eggs, room temperature, beaten
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 to 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom
1 teaspoon salt
7-1/2 to 8 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups confectioners' sugar
3 to 4 tablespoons 2% milk
Halved candied cherries
Toasted sliced almonds

Directions

1

Dissolve yeast in warm water. Add milk, eggs, sugar, butter, cardamom, salt and 2 cups flour; beat until smooth. Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
2

Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1-1/2 hours.
3

Punch down dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into 9 portions. Roll each into a 12-in. rope. Place ropes on greased
4

. Working with 3 at a time, braid ropes. Pinch ends to seal; tuck under.
5

Cover with kitchen towels; let rise in a warm place until almost doubled, about 45 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°. Bake until golden, 20-25 minutes. Cool. Meanwhile, make a glaze by mixing confectioners' sugar and enough milk to reach desired consistency. Drizzle glaze over loaves; decorate as desired with cherries and almonds.