2 c. lukewarm milk
2/3 c. butter
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. raisins
1 c. sugar
3 tsp. ground cardamom seeds
small amount of flour
1 pkg. yeast
1/3 c. warm water
1/4 tsp. sugar
1 egg
7 or 8 c. bread flour

Melt butter in lukewarm milk. Add salt, raisins, sugar, cardamom seeds and small amount of flour. Beat until smooth. Dissolve yeast in 1/3 cup warm water with sugar. Stir yeast mixture into the milk. Add egg and 7 to 8 cups bread flour, beating until smooth and firm. Cover with clean towel and let rise in a warm place until double in size (about 2 hours).

Turn onto lightly floured board and knead. Divide dough in three parts. Put in bread pans. Cover and let rise for 1 hour. Brush with slightly beaten egg.

Bake at 375°F for 35 to 45 minutes.

NOTE: This is delicious toasted.