Pulla

My SIL is Finnish and I got introduce to many new and interesting food.  

Pulla

Makes 3 loaves

2 cups milk, heated just to scalding and then cooled to Luke warm

1 packet traditional yeast

1/2 cup warm water, 46°c

1 cup sugar

1 tsp salt

1 rounded tsp ground cardamom

4 oz (1/2 cup) melted butter

9 cups all purpose flour

1 egg, beaten for egg wash

2 tbsp sugar

1/4 tsp cardamom

- In a pan heat until just starting to bubble and let cool to luke warm.

- In bowl bloom yeast in warm water, then add warm milk, sugar, salt, cardamom, and 2 cups of flour. Using a whisk blend until there are no lumps.

- Add melted butter and mix, add 2 more cups flour and mix until it is a silky sticky mass. 

- Then slowly add rest of flour until it makes a thick dough.

- Knead until dough is smooth.  Place in greased bowl or container and let rise 1 hour, punch down and rise until almost doubled.  

- Turn out onto a floured surface, divide into 9  12 - 16" long pieces.  Braid together 3 pieces for each loaf.  Let rise 20 minutes, covered with a tea towel.  Preheat over to 205°c/400°f

-In a small bowl mix together sugar and cardamom.

 - Egg wash and sprinkle with sugar and cardamom.

-Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.