Cardamom Braid Loaves

Yield: 2 Large Loaves

Active Dry Yeast 2 packets

Whole Milk 2 cups, 1 cup extra on the side

Sugar 2/3 cup

Salt 3/4 teaspoon

Cardamom 2 Tablespoon

Eggs, room temp 2 each

All Purpose Flour 6-7 cups

Butter, melted 1/2 cup (allow to cool)

1. Melt together sugar, milk, and butter. Allow to cool to 105°F
2. Add in yeast, let foam up and activate
3. Add 2 cups of flour, salt, cardamom, eggs to combine.
4. Slowly add in more flour until the dough forms and is slightly sticky.
5. Take out and knead until smooth and elastic.
6. Let down set 2 hours to ferment. Allow to rise until double in size.
7. When ready punch down dough, this removes extra gasses from fermentation.
8. Cut into 10 equal piece and roll into 14" ropes. This is going to make two loaves.
9. Braid as desired, I did a 5 braid loaf style.
10. Ounce the braids are done place on a sheet pan and allow to proof.
11. Let bread sit until double in size.
12. When the dough has risen brush with an egg wash, dust with cardamom sugar blend.
13. Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. The bread will be golden brown and have a hollow sound when tapped.
14. Allow to cool slightly and drizzle with glaze.

Glaze Recipe

Powdered Sugar 1 cup

Lemon Juice 1 teaspoon

Vanilla 1 teaspoon

Egg Whites 1 each

Whole Milk 2-3 Tablespoon

1. Sift powdered sugar into a bowl.
2. Add in all ingredients, NOT the milk.
3. Slowly add in milk until desired consistency. I like mine a little thick. Use more milk if needed.
4. Store covered tightly with plastic wrap.