Finnish Pulla (Sweet Bread )

Ingredients:

1/2 c Milk
1 Egg
2 tb Butter
1/4 c Sugar
2/3 tbsp Salt
4 tb Butter
2 c Bread Flour
1 1/2 tbsp Quick Yeast
7 cardamom seed, ground (remove shells and use mortar and pestle to grind)


GLAZE
1/4 c Sugar
1 Egg; Beaten

Method:

1.Heat milk in a small saucepan until small bubbles are visible around the rim of the pan. Remove from head and let cool to between 105 and 115 degrees F.
2.In the large bowl of your Kitchen Aid, whisk yeast into the warm water and let sit for about 5 minutes or until yeast is dissolved and creamy.
3.Whisk in milk, sugar, cardamom, salt, and eggs at medium speed,Switch to the hook attachment and add 2 c. flour, beating until smooth, occasionally scraping around the bowl to incorporate all the flour.
4.Add the melted butter, and then keeping count as you go, add flour 1/2 c. at a time until the dough is stiff, but not dry.
5.Cover and let the dough rest for about 10 minutes before proceeding.
6.Shape the dough into a ball and place in a lightly oiled bowl making sure the top is oiled. Cover with plastic and let rise at room temp until doubled in bulk about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
7.To shape the dough, turn it out of the bowl and divide it into three sections, Roll out equal length 1-inch diameter cylinders for braiding, and let rise for 30 minutes.
8.Glaze with Add sugar to beaten egg and mix well. Brush on raised bread. Sprinkle sugar and poppy seeds or chopped or sliced almonds on the top and bake
9.Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 25-30 minutes. Do not overbake, as it will dry out.