Finnish Coffee Bread (Pulla)

Step 1: In a large bowl dissolve the yeast in the warm water (I always use more than one envelope, but I buy my yeast by the jar). Stir in milk, sugar, salt, cardamom, eggs and 2 cups flour. With a wooden spoon beat until dough is smooth and elastic. Add 3 cups of flour and beat flour in well - dough will be smooth and glossy. Add the melted butter and stir in all and then stir in remaining flour until a stiff dough forms.

Step 2: Turn dough out onto a floured board and cover with inverted mixing bowl. Let dough rest for 15 minutes. Knead until smooth and satiny (I knead for 8-10 minutes). Place dough in a lightly greased bowl (I use a soup pot - you need a very large bowl), turn dough to grease all sides. Let rise in a warm place (I use an unheated microwave) until doubled (1 hour). Punch down and let rise again until almost doubled (30 minutes).

Step 3: Turn out onto the floured board; divide into 3 parts (I put two parts back in the pot/bowl while I prepare the first braid). Divide part 1 into three parts. Shape each part into a long strip (about 14-16 inches long), rolling the dough between the palms and the board forming three snakes of equal size. Braid the three strips together, pinching in the ends and tuck under. Place one greased cookie sheet. Repeat with the two other parts. You will have three braids. I use 3 cookie sheets for the braids. Let rise until puffy (20-30 minutes).

Step 4: Glaze the loaves by brushing with beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar. This is optional but I do it all the time as the egg makes the braid shiny.

Step 5: Bake in a 400 degree F oven for 25-30 minutes or until the braids are a light golden brown.

Step 6: These freeze very well!