Swedish Christmas Braid

2 3/4 cup flour
1 package yeast
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
3/4 cup milk
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg

In a mixing bowl combine the yeast, 3/4 cup flour, and cardamom. In a small sauce pan (or the microwave) heat the milk, butter, and sugar until warm. (not hot) Add the milk mixture to the dry and mix on low for 30 seconds, scrape. Add egg. Beat for 3 min on a high speed. Slowly add the remaining flour to make a soft dough (you may us a little less or a little more flour than the 2 remaining cups.) Mix until the dough is smooth, (use a dough hook here) Put in a greased bowl to rise until doubled (depends on the yeast you use, 30-50 minutes) Punch down dough. Turn onto a floured surface and make 3 balls. Let rest for 10 min. Roll balls into 3 ropes (16" long) and braid loosely. Start in the middle and work out to each end, tucking/pinching ends under. Cover with a towel and let rise again until double in size.** Brush braid with a little milk and sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 375 for 18-20 minutes.

**I always pre-heat the oven during the second rise and put the dough nearby or even on top of the oven. It makes it rise faster.

From: http://angrychicken.typepad.com/angry_chicken/2006/11/tie_on_onenovem.html