Finnish Cardamom Braids

Name: Finnish Cardamom Braids
Ingredients: 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast; 1/4 cup warm water (110° to 115°); 2 cups warm milk (110° to 115°); 3/4 cup sugar; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 1-1/2 teaspoons salt; 3/4 teaspoon ground cardamom; 2 eggs; 7 to 8 cups all-purpose flour

9 ingredients

4 steps

Ingredients

2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
2 cups warm milk (110° to 115°)
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
3/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
2 eggs
7 to 8 cups all-purpose flour

Directions

1

In a bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add milk, sugar, butter, salt, cardamom, eggs and 3 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 hour.
2

Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Divide each half into thirds. Shape each piece into a 13-in. rope. Place three ropes on a greased
3

. Braid ropes; pinch ends to seal and tuck under. Repeat. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.
4

Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.