2 pkgs. yeast
1/2 lb. butter (2 sticks)
3/4 c. sugar
1 tsp. salt
8 c. flour
20 cardamom seeds
1 egg
2 c. milk
Poppy seeds for top of bread
1/2 c. water

Scald milk and melt sticks of butter in milk. Cool to lukewarm. Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup of warm water, add to lukewarm milk and butter. Crush and add cardamom seeds or approximately 1 teaspoon of powder. Add sugar, egg, salt and 4 cups of flour. Mix well. Add 3-4 cups of flour and knead - let rise until doubled in size (40 minutes).

Knead again and cut dough in half. Cut each half in three pieces. Shape into long round pieces and braid. Let braid raise a second time for two hours. Brush with egg white or milk and sprinkle with poppy seeds. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Beat when eaten while still warm. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.