2 c. milk
1 pkg. yeast
3 eggs
6 1/2 c. flour
2/3 c. sugar
1/4 lb. butter
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cardamom

Warm the milk to lukewarm. Dissolve yeast in milk and add 4 cups flour. Let rise in warm place for one hour. Add well beaten eggs, sugar, cardamom, salt, butter (soft) and remainder of flour, (Leave about 1/2 cup of flour for kneading.) Knead dough until it is free from hands and bowl. Let rise for one hour. Knead, braid into loaves. Put in buttered baking pans. Let rise for 1 hour. Brush loaf with beaten egg. If desired, sprinkle with sugar and/or nuts. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 35 minutes.