Pulla Coffee Bread

By

Observe carefully the order of combining the ingredients, Fremming says. The melted butter is added after about half the flour. Do not overbake or the loaves will be dry. Remove from the oven when a light golden brown. This dough also makes luscious cinnamon rolls.

View complete recipe

  • 3

Ingredients

  • Bread:
  • 1 package dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 2 cups milk, scalded and cooled
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 7 to 8 whole cardamom pods
  • 4 large eggs, beaten
  • 8 to 9 cups sifted white flour
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • Glaze:
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup almonds, chopped
  • 1/2 cup crushed lump sugar (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

Bread:

Dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Stir in the milk, sugar, salt, ground and pulverized cardamom seeds, eggs and sufficient flour (about 2 cups) to make a batter. Beat with spoon or dough hook until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add about 3 cups more flour and beat well. The dough should be smooth and glossy in appearance. Add melted butter and stir in well. Beat again until dough looks glossy. Stir in remaining flour until a stiff dough forms.

Turn out onto a lightly floured board and cover with an inverted mixing bowl. Let dough rest 15 minutes, then knead until smooth and satiny. Place in a lightly greased mixing bowl, turn dough to grease the top, cover lightly and let rise in a warm place (about 85 F) until doubled (about 30 minutes).

Turn out onto a lightly floured board. Divide into 3 parts. Then divide each of these parts into 3. Shape each part into a strip about 16 inches long by rolling the dough between the palms of your hands and the board. Braid 3 strips together into a straight loaf, pinch the ends together, and tuck under. Repeat for second and third loaves. (Or form some of the braids into wreaths).

Lift the braids carefully onto lightly greased baking sheets. Let rise for about 20 minutes; the braids should be puffy, but not doubled in bulk.

Glaze:

Glaze the loaves by brushing with beaten egg. Sprinkle with crushed almonds and sugar, if you wish.

Bake at 400 F for 25 to 30 minutes. Do not overbake. Slice to serve.





View complete recipe