Holiday Coffee

Directions

1. 1
   Make dough: Sprinkle yeast and a pinch of sugar over warm water in measuring cup.
2. 2
   Stir.
3. 3
   Let stand just until foamy, 2 to 3 minutes.
4. 4
   Meanwhile, whisk together 2 cups flour, 1/2 cup sugar, salt and cardamom in large bowl.
5. 5
   With pastry blender or 2 knives, cut butter into flour mixture until coarse crumbs form.
6. 6
   Whisk together lukewarm milk, 2 eggs and egg yolk in medium bowl until blended: whisk in other ingredients and knead.
7. 7
   Let rise.
8. 8
   Press one piece of dough into a 16 X 9 inch rectangle onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. 9
   Cut twelve 1-inch strips of dough along each side of filling.
10. 10
    Gently stretch strips across filling; alternating side to side and pressing gently. Roll two 16-inch-long ropes of dough.
11. 11
    Join one end of ropes and twist together: arrange down center of loaf.