RECIPE ROUNDUP - Cardamom Braided Bread

I have a poll on the sidebar as to what kind of recipes you would like to see.  Since the first vote was for breads, I will share this recipe.  My friend from work shared this with me.  She and her family LOVE this recipe and I've tasted it, it is DELICIOUS!!!!  Brush on some melted butter at the end.... mouthwatering.  I want some now!!!  :-)  Hope you enjoy it!  --QUILTPECAN

Finnish Cardamom Braids Recipe

32 Servings
Prep: 25 min. + rising Bake: 25 min.

Ingredients

• 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
• 2 cups warm milk (110° to 115°)
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 2 eggs
• 7 to 8 cups all-purpose flour

Directions

• In a 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. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
• Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Divide each half into thirds. Shape each piece into a 13-in. rope. Place three ropes on a greased baking 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° for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool. Yield: 2 loaves.