- 3
Ingredients
- GLAZE:
- 2 packages active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water (105 to 115 degrees)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 1/2 cups (12-ounce can) evaporated milk
- 1/2 to 1 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom
- 4 eggs at room temperature
- 7 to 8 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 slightly beaten egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
Preparation
Step 1
In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water; add the 1 teaspoon sugar, stir and let stand for 5 minutes until the yeast foams. Empty the milk into a pan and warm to just between 105 and 115 degrees. Add milk, sugar according to the sweetness desired, salt, cardamom, eggs and half the flour. Beat with an electric mixer or spoon until the dough is smooth and shiny. Beat in the melted butter. Add the remaining flour 1 cup at a time until the dough is stiff but not dry. Cover and let rest for 15 minutes.
Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until satiny and smooth, about 10 minutes. Wash the bowl, grease it, and add the dough to the bowl, turning to grease all sides. Cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, between 1 and 1 1/2 hours. Turn the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface, and divide into 3 equal pieces.
Divide each portion into 3 parts. Roll each part out to make strands about 24 inches long. Make each group of 3 strands into braids. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets. Cover, and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Mix the egg and milk to make an egg wash and brush the braids with the mixture. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden.