A traditional, aromatic yeasted sweet bread, heavily spiced with cardamom and studded with raisins. This large-batch recipe creates multiple loaves of beautifully braided bread, perfect for holidays and special occasions.
Author
Unknown
Recipe
| Measurements | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| 2 ½ to 3 Cups | Milk |
| ½ Cup | Warm Water |
| 2 packets | Yeast |
| 6 Cups | Sifted Flour |
| 1 to 1 ¼ Cups | Sugar |
| 3 Heaping Tbsps | Ground Cardamom |
| 2 tsps | Salt |
| ¼ Cup + | Melted Butter |
| 1 ½ Cups | Raisins |
Instructions
- Scald the Milk: In a saucepan, heat the milk until small bubbles form around the edge, but do not let it boil. Remove from heat and let it cool until it’s lukewarm.
- Proof the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the ½ cup of warm water. Let it stand for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. If it doesn’t bubble, the yeast may not be active.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a very large mixing bowl, combine the cooled scalded milk and the proofed yeast mixture. Stir in the sugar, salt, melted butter, ground cardamom, and raisins.
- Add Flour: Gradually add the sifted flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-8 minutes, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a buttered, warm bowl, turning it over to grease the top. Cover with a cloth and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 3 hours.
- Shape Loaves: Punch down the dough. Divide it into two or three equal portions. For each portion, divide it into three smaller pieces and roll them into long ropes. Braid the three ropes together and tuck the ends under. Place each braided loaf into a greased loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaves and let them rise again for 1 hour.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the loaves in the oven and bake for 15 minutes.
- Reduce Heat: Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and continue to bake for an additional 45 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
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