2 pkgs. dry yeast
2 1/2 c. milk
1 stick butter
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. sugar
2 tsp. cardamom
1 egg
6 3/4 c. flour
1 egg for egg wash sugar

Have all ingredients at room temperature. Melt butter, cool to lukewarm. Heat milk to lukewarm pour over yeast. Add half of flour to mixture. Add salt, egg, sugar, cardamom, mix. Add rest of flour and butter alternately. Sprinkle flour on top. Place in greased bowl. Cover with clean cloth and let rise until doubled. Knock down and knead. Divide into 4 parts. Divide in thirds and braid each. Let each braid rise. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Brush with egg and sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 10 minutes more.