Pulla

• servings: 3 large braids
• total time: 3-4 hours

Ingredients

1 TB DRY YEAST

½ C WARM WATER (100-110 F)

2 C COOLED SCALDED MILK (180-185 F)

1 C SUGAR

1 tsp SALT

1-2 tsp FINNISH CARDAMOM

4 EGGS, LIGHTLY BEATEN

½ C BUTTER, MELTED

~ 9 C FLOUR

EGG WASH (1-2 EGGS + WATER SPLASH, BEATEN WITH FORK)

Directions

1. Soften yeast in water for 5 minutes

2. Add/combine milk, sugar, salt, cardamom, eggs, yeast

3. Add 2-3 cups of flour and mix until smooth. Add 3 more cups and beat until glossy.

4. Add and mix in melted butter

5. Add remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until dough forms a ball

6. Place in lightly greased bowl. Cover with cloth and let rise until doubled

7. Punch - slow and gentle in center, fold in edges, knead 2-3 times in light flour

8. Cut dough into desired amount of loaves, and divide each by 3. Roll and braid, pinching the ends.

9. Brush with egg wash and let rise again 20-30 minutes

10. Bake at 400 F for 20 (small) -30 (large) minutes