6-6 1/2 c. flour, sifted on waxed paper
2 pkg. dry yeast
2 c. warm water
1 tsp. crushed cardoman seed
2 eggs, room temperature
1/2 c. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1/2 c. butter, soft
1 tbsp. milk
Sugar

Sprinkle yeast into 2 cups warm water in large mixing bowl. Let stand 3-5 minutes. Stir. Stir in cardoman seed, egg, sugar, salt, butter and 1/2 of flour. Beat with wooden spoon until smooth and elastic. Gradually keep adding flour to make soft dough. Knead 5-10 minutes on lightly floured board. Put in greased bowl, turning to grease top. Cover. Rise in warm place 1 hour. Punch down, return to floured board and knead until smooth and free of air bubbles.

Cut into 6 equal pieces and shape in 1 inch wide ropes. Using 3 each, make 2 braids. Put on lightly greased baking sheet 2 inches apart. Cover, rise in warm place 30 minutes. Brush with remaining egg, slightly beaten with milk. Bake at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Remove to rack. Cover with towel. Cool.