One of the best things to do during the holidays is bake. This is one of my favorite recipes from my grandmother and the great thing is that it makes enough loaves to eat some yourself and still have a few to give to friends. It has a unique cardamom flavor and is sweet, but not too sweet. It's perfect sliced and toasted for breakfast or a snack with hot chocolate!
Cardamom Bread
1 1/2 cups of milk
3/4 cup of sugar
1 1/2 sticks of butter
Heat these three ingredients until the butter melts and let it cool to warm. Then add:
1 pkg. yeast
1/2 cup of warm water
1 teaspoon sugar
Combine, cover, and allow to foam. Then add:
6 oz. evaporated milk
2 eggs (beaten)
3 tablespoons of crushed cardamom seed (crush using a rolling pin or a coffee grinder)
1/2 teaspoon of salt
7 cups of flour
Combine all ingredients well, cover and let the dough double in a warm spot.
When doubled, knead, adding flour as needed. Form into 4 loaves by braiding dough (either a 3 or 4 strand braid - both look pretty) and sprinkling with pearl sugar (available at specialty grocery stores). Bake at 400 F for about 20 min., or until golden brown.
