Finnish Coffee Bread

Ingredients: • 1 pkg yeast • 1/4 cup warm water (105-115°F) • 1-1/3 cups lukewarm milk • 2 eggs • 1/2 cup sugar • 1/2 tsp salt • 4-1/2 cups sifted flour, approx. • 1 tsp powdered cardamom • 1/3 cup soft butter • 1/4 cup slivered almonds Method: • Add yeast to warm water, stir until dissolved. Add lukewarm milk. Beat 1 egg and sugar together, add milk mixture, salt and some of the flour. Stir to mix. Add cardamom and enough flour to make a soft dough. Knead vigorously until thoroughly mixed. Add butter. Knead until dough no longer sticks to sides of bowl. Cover. Let rise in warm place, 85°F until doubled in size, about 45 minutes. Punch down. Divide into 3 equal parts, shape each into a long strand. Braid strands to form a loaf. Cover. Let rise again until doubled in size. Brush with slightly beaten egg. Sprinkle with almonds. Bake in moderate oven, 350°F about 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool. Makes 1 loaf.

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