CoilaS Secret Cardamom Bread - Bread

Method

• Preheat oven to 350F.
• In a large mixer bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, yeast, and ground cardamom. In a saucepan, heat the 1 cup milk, the butter, sugar, and salt until just warm (115F to 120F), stirring constantly until the butter almost melts. Add to dry mixture in mixing bowl. Add eggs, orange peel and juice. Beat at low speed with an electric mixer for 30 seconds. Scraping sides of bowl constantly, beat for three minutes at high speed. By hand, stir in enough of the remaining flour to make a moderately soft dough.
• Turn out on a floured surface and knead until smooth (5 to 8 minutes). Place in a greased bowl and turn once to grease the surface of the dough. Cover and let rise until double, about 1 hour. Punch dough down. Divide in half. Then divide each half into thirds. Shape into 6 balls. Cover, let rest 10 minutes. Roll each ball into a 16 rope. Line up 3 ropes, 1 linch apart, on a greased baking sheet. Braid loosely, beginning in the middle and working toward ends. Pinch ends together and tuck under. Repeat with the remaining balls.
• Cover and let rise in a warm place until almost double, about 30 minutes. Whisk together the egg yolk and milk to make the glaze. Brush the braids with the glaze. Bake in 350F oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.