Swedish cardamom braid

12 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
2tablespoonsActive Dry Yeast
½cupLukewarm Water (105 to 110 degrees)
½cupMilk, scalded
¼cupSugar
½teaspoonSalt
¼cupVegetable Oil
1Egg
To 4 c Flour
1teaspoonGround Cardamom
½cupRaisins, dark or golden

Directions

Combine the yeast and the lukewarm water. Let stand until dissolved.

Pour the hot milk over the sugar to dissolve it. Pour the hot milk over the sugar to dissolve it. Add the salt and vegetable oil. Cool.

Stir in the yeast mixture, egg, 3 cups of the flour and the cardamom into the sugar mixture. Add the raisins and extra flour. Beat until smooth. Turn the dough onto a lightly-floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic.

Transfer to a lightly-oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.

Punch down the dough and transfer to a lightly-floured surface.

Divide into thirds. Roll each part into a 10-inch-long strand. Braid loosely. Place on a lightly-oiled baking sheet. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.

Bake in a 350-degree oven for 30 to 35 minutes.

Serves 12

One Serving = Calories: 121 Carbohydrates: 17 Protein: 2 Fat: 5 Sodium: 94 Potassium: 89 Cholesterol: 23 Exchange Value: 1 Bread Exchange + 1 Fat Exchange Source: Holiday Cookbook, American Diabetes Association, ISBN 0-13-024894-0, by Betty Wedman, M.S.,R.D.