1 c. milk
1/2 stick butter
1 pkg. dry yeast
1/4 c. warm water
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
3 c. flour
1 egg
1/2 tsp. ground cardamom or seeds from about 10 to 12 cardamom pods

Scald milk. Add butter to melt. Cool to lukewarm. Dissolve yeast in 1/4 cup warm water. Add remaining ingredients. Add enough flour to be able to handle dough for kneading. Knead about 3 to 4 minutes. Cover with saran wrap in a large bowl and allow to rise 2 to 3 hours.

Remove dough, divide into 1/2 for 2 loaves. Take each half and divide into 3 sections and roll into strips. Now these 3 strips can be braided. Repeat with other half of dough. Place braided loaves on cookie sheet and allow to rise 1 more hour. Brush with egg yolk. Sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes.