Finnish Pulla Bread

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A unique bread with a sweet flavor that makes a wonderful holiday gift! It takes about 4 hours to make, so allow yourself plenty of time. Feel free to add raisins or any chopped dried fruits.

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Steps

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Warm the milk in a small saucepan until it bubbles , then remove from heat.

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Let cool until lukewarm.

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Dissolve the yeast in the warm water.

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Stir in the lukewarm milk , sugar , salt , cardamom , 4 eggs , and enough flour to make a batter.

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Beat until the dough is smooth and elastic.

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Add about 3 cups of the flour and beat well.

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The dough should be smooth and glossy in appearance.

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Add the melted butter or margarine , and stir well.

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Beat again until the dough looks glossy.

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Stir in the remaining flour until the dough is stiff.

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Turn out of bowl onto a floured surface , cover with an inverted mixing bowl , and let rest for 15 minutes.

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Knead the dough until smooth and satiny.

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Place in a lightly greased mixing bowl , and turn the dough to grease the top.

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Cover with a clean dishtowel.

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Let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk , about 1 hour.

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Punch down , and let rise again until almost doubled.

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Turn out again on to a floured surface , and divide into 3 parts.

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Divide each th.

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Ingredients

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milk, warm water, active dry yeast, white sugar, salt, ground cardamom, eggs, all-purpose flour, butter, egg