Yield: 2 large loaves
Total prep and cooking time:  3.5 hours

1 Tablespoon yeast (dry active)

1/4 cup warm water (warm, but not hot - test on your wrist)

3/4 cup warm milk

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 eggs, plus extra for glazing

1 teaspoon ground cardamom

4 1/2 cups unsifted flour (approx)

1/2 cup butter, melted
 

In a mixing bowl, combine yeast and water with a pinch of sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes, or until foamy. Blend in milk, sugar, salt, eggs, cardamom, and 2 cups of the flour. Beat until smooth. Add the butter, stirring until it all becomes incorporated and smooth once more. Then stir in the rest of the flour (the exact amount you need will depend on the humidity) and knead dough until it is smooth and satiny - approximately 5 - 10 minutes. Place in a large, greased bowl to rise, turning the dough over so that the top is lightly greased. Cover and let stand in a draught-free place (such as the inside of an oven, with the light on) for 1 1/2 - 2 hours, or until doubled. Knead lightly on a floured board - just enough to press the air out of the risen dough.

Divide dough into 6 equal pieces, and roll each between your palms and counter top to make 6 14-inch "snakes." Braid into two loaves, pinching the ends to seal well, and folding the ends under the loaves. Place side by side with room to expand, on a greased baking sheet, and gently brush all over with beaten egg and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Let rise for 1/2 hour only - bread should look puffed but not doubled. Bake at 350 F for 25 minutes or until richly browned. The bread will rise more in the oven. Cool on a rack, and serve with coffee.

As this makes 2 big loaves, I often braid only one loaf, and turn the other half of the dough into "schneki" or cinnamon buns by rolling it out to a 1/2" rectangle, sprinkling with brown sugar and extra spices, rolling up and slicing into 9 pieces. Place slices cut-side up in an 8" metal pan, let rise 1/2 hour, and bake for 25 minutes. These freeze beautifully: cool completely, break apart, and wrap individually with plastic wrap.

Kippis!