Finnish Coffee Bread("Nisu") - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 pkg. yeast
1/4 c. lukewarm water
2 c. milk
1/2 c. butter
1/2 tsp. salt
3 eggs
1 tsp. ground cardamon (6 or 7 seeds, ground)
8 to 9 c. flour

Preparation

Dissolve yeast in lukewarm water.
Scald milk.
Add sugar, salt and butter.
Cool to lukewarm (same temperature as yeast mix).
Add yeast to milk mix.
Add 4 cups flour (enough to make a sponge). Beat thoroughly.
Rise for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Add well beaten eggs and cardamon.
Add flour until dough is stiff enough to knead.
Let rise again to nearly double size.
Turn onto floured board and knead a few minutes.
Shape into 4 braided loaves.
Let rise to double size.
Bake at 350\u00b0 for 30 to 40 minutes.
Remove from oven. Brush with syrup made with 1 tablespoon water and 2 tablespoons sugar.
Sprinkle with coarse sugar.