1 pkg. dry yeast
1 1/2 sticks butter
2 1/2 c. milk
3/4 c. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground cardamom
About 7 1/2 c. flour
1 beaten egg
Raisins for decorating

Sprinkle yeast in large bowl. Melt butter in pans; add milk. Cool mixture until lukewarm. Add the mixture to the yeast. Stir until dissolved. Add salt, sugar and cardamom. Measure flour and add 6 cups.

Knead dough 8 minutes, adding more flour as needed. Allow dough to raise in a covered bowl 30-40 minutes. Divide dough into 12-15 pieces. Roll each piece into a long snake-like form.

Beginning at one end, roll into a circle until the middle of the strand. Do the same with the other end, forming an S-shape. Put a raisin in the middle of each end of the bun. Brush with beaten egg and bake in a 350 degree oven for about 30 minutes.