Once a Year!

I like to cook and try new recipes all year long, but there are some recipes I only make at Christmas. If I made them routinely they would no longer be a special treat! Such is the case of Finnish cardamom braids. I made two loaves today for gifts, one got too dark on the bottom so I will keep that one for us. This recipe came from a Taste of Home magazine and is pretty much an all day project because I let it rise twice before I form it into braids. Today I had a little brain lapse and couldn’t remember how to braid, I know another senior moment but I did figure it out! We think its worth the time to make.
 
Finnish Cardamom Braids:
2 packages ( 1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water
2 cups warm milk
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. ground cardamom
2 eggs
7-8 cups all-purpose flour


In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add milk, sugar, butter, salt, cardamom, eggs and 3 cups flour; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. ( I used 7 cups). Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning to grease top, cover and let raise in a warm place until doubled, 1-2 hours, punch dough down and let rise again. Turn onto a lightly floured surface, divide dough in half and then each half into thirds. Shape each piece into a 13 –inch rope. Place three ropes on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Braid ropes; pinch ends to seal and tuck under. Repeat with remaining dough, cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool. Yield two loaves. When cool I frost with powdered sugar frosting and decorate with almonds and maraschino cherries. This dough can be used for cinnamon rolls too.
 
Have a Merry Christmas!