This comes from one of my favorite and frequently used cookbooks, which happens to actually be a handmade deal put together by a friend of a friend.  I don’t actually know Shari Meyer, but I can tell you this, she is a GOOD cook.  I love everything I make from her cookbook.  Thanks Kim for sharing this gem with me! 

I’ve made this bread several times and it’s always a HUGE hit.  So yummy and pretty too!

2 pkg. yeast
1/4 cup warm water
2 cup milk
1/2 cup butter
2 eggs
2 tsp cardamom
1 cup sugar
2 tsp salt
7-9 c. flour
1 egg
1 tsp water

1. Dissolve 2 pkg. yeast in 1/4 c. warm water.

2. Scald 2 c. milk.  Add 1/2 c. butter and cool.

3. Beat 2 eggs and add them to the milk.  Add the dissolved yeast.

4. Add: cardamom, sugar, and salt

5. Stir in 7-9 c. flour.

6. Knead 10 min. until shiny and elastic.  Shape into a ball and turn up in a well-greased bowl.  Cover with plastic wrap and rise until doubled, about 1-2 hours.

7. Punch down the dough and knead lightly.  Shape into 4-6 braided loaves and let rise, covered loosely with plastic wrap.

8. Beat 1 egg with 1 tsp. water.  Brush this over the loaves and sprinkle with sugar.

9. Bake at 350º for 25-30 min.