Pulla

• servings: 3 large braids
• total time: 3-4 hours

Ingredients

2 C COOLED SCALDED MILK (180-185 F)

1 TB DRY YEAST

½ C WARM WATER (100-110 F)

1 C SUGAR

1 tsp SALT

1-2 tsp FINNISH CARDAMOM

4 EGGS, LIGHTLY BEATEN

½ C BUTTER, MELTED

~ 9 C FLOUR

EGG WASH (1-2 EGGS + WATER SPLASH, BEATEN WITH FORK)

Directions

Make scalded milk: wide shallow saucepan. Slowly heat. Stir continuously. Until steam and froth or 180 degrees. Cool.

1. Soften yeast in water for 5 minutes. Some foam should develop

2. Add/combine milk, sugar, salt, cardamom, eggs, yeast

3. Add 2-3 cups of flour and mix until smooth. Add 3 more cups and beat until glossy.

4. Add and mix in melted butter

5. Add remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until dough forms a ball

6. Place in lightly greased bowl. Cover with cloth and let rise until doubled

7. Punch - slow and gentle in center, fold in edges, knead 2-3 times in light flour

8. Cut dough into desired amount of loaves, and divide each by 3. Roll and braid, pinching the ends.

9. Brush with egg wash and let rise again 20-30 minutes

10. Bake at 400 F for 20 (small) -30 (large) minutes

Notes

Done?

• Golden brown

• Sound hollow when tapped

• Maintain 400 degrees by thermometer and limit opening oven

• Should be 190 inside

Cooking tips

• Limit contact with pan - silicon baking sheet and higher in oven (top ish rack)

• one loaf at a time to nail down time and placement

• long and narrow braids

• 18-20 minutes in oven

~2 hours for rising