Pulla

Directions

1. 1
   Heat milk until it is just under boiling point.
2. 2
   Pour into a large bowl and add 1/2 cup of sugar, salt, butter, and cardamom.
3. 3
   Stir until butter is melted.
4. 4
   Set aside to cool.
5. 5
   In the meantime, dissolve 1 teaspoon of sugar into warm water.
6. 6
   Sprinkle yeast on top.
7. 7
   Set aside for 10 minutes.
8. 8
   Then, stir vigorously with a fork and add to warm milk, along with the eggs.
9. 9
   Add vigorously 2 cups of flour.
10. 10
    Then, add 3-31/2 cups of flour.
11. 11
    Work last part of flour with a rotating movement of the hand.
12. 12
    Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead 8-10 minutes.
13. 13
    Place dough in a large, generously greased, bowl.
14. 14
    Turn over in bowl so that surface of dough is completely greased.
15. 15
    Cover with wax paper and a damp cloth and set aside until volume has doubled (about 2 hours).
16. 16
    Punch the dough to deflate it and divide into 3 portions.
17. 17
    Divide each portion in 3, roll out into sticks 15 inches long and 1 inch in diameter.
18. 18
    Braid.
19. 19
    Repeat with two other portions.
20. 20
    Place braids on greased cookie sheets, cover, and set aside until volume has doubled (about 1h15min).
21. 21
    Bake 30-35 minutes at 375F .
22. 22
    Delay 2 tablespoons of sugar into hot coffee.
23. 23
    Brush over the bread as soon as you take it out from the oven.
24. 24
    Sprinkle with sugar.