FINNISH CARDAMOM BRAIDS

Finnish Cardamom Braids image

Every Finn I know often serves Nissua, a sweet bread with cardamom. I believe my mom's recipe beats all others, hands down! Her bread is soft and fluffy while others can be dry . No matter how many Nissua braids she makes for a popular annual craft fair, they're all gone by noon!-Anne Heinonen, Howell, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 50m

Yield 2 loaves (16 slices each).

Number Of Ingredients 9

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Ingredients

2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
2 cups warm milk (110° to 115°)
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
3/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
2 eggs
7 to 8 cups all-purpose flour

Steps:

In a bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add milk, sugar, butter, salt, cardamom, eggs and 3 cups flour; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. , Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Divide each half into thirds. Shape each piece into a 13-in. rope. Place three ropes on a greased baking sheet. Braid ropes; pinch ends to seal and tuck under. Repeat. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes. , Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 158 calories, Fat 4g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 23mg cholesterol, Sodium 152mg sodium, Carbohydrate 26g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.