2 c. milk
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. water
1 cake yeast
5-6 c. flour
1 tsp. cardamom, ground
2 eggs
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. butter, melted

GLAZE:

1 tbsp. water
3 tbsp. melted butter
2 tbsp. sugar
Pinch of instant coffee

Heat milk and sugar until sugar is dissolved. Do not boil. Dissolve yeast in water, then mix with milk mixture and add 2 cups of the flour and cardamom. Beat eggs and add to mix with salt and butter. Add 3-4 more cups of flour until stiff dough is formed. Knead until elastic. Place in bowl and let rise. Punch down and let rise again.

Divide into 3 parts or two if you prefer, and roll out long and braid. This makes 2 or 3 loaves. Let rise again and bake at 350 for 1/2 hour. Combine glaze ingredients and top the bread with the glaze.