Cardamom Bread

An Old Swedish Favorite

Cardamom bread

2 packages yeast
¼ cup water
½ cup butter
¾ cup milk
½ cup sugar
1 egg ( ¾ for dough, ¼ for glaze)
15 cardamom seeds or 1 ½ teaspoon
3 ½ - 4 cups flour

1. dissolve yeast in warm water
2. melt butter, add milk chill until lukewarm
3. mix all ingredients with ½ of flour until smooth. Add more flour saving about 1 cup
4. sprinkle dough with flour let rise 1 hour
5. punch down, knead until smooth. Divide into 3 parts
6. shape into long ropes and braid
7. let rise until double in size ( about 45 min) brush with beaten egg
8. bake 375* 25-30 min. cover and cool on rack

ps. If using seeds, remove husk and grind in a mortar and pestle.