1/2 c. (1/4 lb.) butter, melted
1 pkg. Active dry yeast
3 tbsp. warm water
2 eggs, beaten
1 c. milk, scalded & cooled
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. finely ground cardamom
Grated peel of 1 orange
About 5 c. flour

Dissolve yeast in warm water. In large bowl combine eggs, milk, sugar, salt, cardamom, orange peel (grated), yeast mixture and butter. Stir in enough flour to make stiff dough. Knead dough until smooth. Shape into ball, put in greased bowl. Cover. Let rise in warm place until doubled.

Punch down, divide dough in half. Divide each half into 3 portions and roll each into long strand (18-24 inches long). Braid 3 strands into a loaf. Form braided loaves (2) into a ring and pinch ends together. Place on greased baking sheet. Let rise until doubled. Paint each loaf with milk. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until medium brown. Serve warm. makes 2 braided loaves.