Viipuri - Finnish Christmas Pretzel - milk

Method

• Heat milk with sugar, butter and salt until hot, stir to melt butter and allow to cool until slightly warm, but not hot.
• Dissolve the yeast in tepid water, add a teaspoon of yeast and a pinch of sugar (if you wish). Set aside in warm place until warm and bubbly.
• Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, cardamon and nutmeg in mixer bowl.
• Combine the milk mixture with the yeast and add to the flour. Mix thoroughly.
• Add the egg and enough of the remaining flour to make a soft dough.
• Knead on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, until smooth.
• Turn into a greased bowl, cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
• Punch down the dough, turn it out onto a work surface and form into a 32 inch rope.
• Shape the dough into a huge pretzel. (Form into a circle with two six inch ends curving into the center. Twist the ends together, then press and tuck under the top of the circle). Place on a greased baking sheet.
• Cover and let rise until almost double, about 30 minutes. Brush with the egg glaze and bake in a preheated 350 deg F oven for about 30 minutes or until done. Cool on wire rack.