1 pkg. yeast
1/2 c. warm water
2 c. scalded milk, cooled
4 eggs
1 c. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground cardamom
9 c. flour (or more)
1/2 c. melted butter

Dissolve yeast in warm water. Add ingredients and mix into yeast mixture one at a time. Add warm (NOT hot) scalded milk, beaten eggs, sugar, salt and cardamom.

Beat in 2 cups flour. Add melted butter. Stir in about 5 cups of the rest of the flour, adding enough to make the dough stiff.

Pour out onto floured board and let rest 15 minutes. Knead, adding flour (about 2 cups) as needed until dough is smooth and elastic.

Put in large greased bowl, turning to grease top. Let rise in warm place until doubled (about an hour).

Punch down and let rise again until almost double (45 minutes +). Punch down and divide into 3 parts (loaves).

Divide each part into 3 parts; roll each part into an 18 inch strand. Braid 3 strands together, tucking ends under firmly (left strand over center, right strand over center, etc.). Repeat for other 2 loaves.

Let rise on greased (or Teflon) baking sheet until puffy (45 minutes plus). Glaze with beaten egg. Bake 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees.