Finnish Sweet Cardamom Raisin Bread Pulla

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This soft, slightly sweet bread is made with plenty of butter, which results in tender pieces that can be pulled apart, bite by bite. A hint of cardamom and a handful of plump raisins make it a special treat for teatime. Total preparation time includes to dough rises. From gourmet magazine, august 2007 (julia langbein) and posted for zwt6.

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Steps

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Soak raisins in hot tap water to cover until plump , about 20 minutes , then drain.

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Meanwhile , stir together warm water , yeast , and a pinch of sugar in a small bowl.

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Let stand until foamy , about 5 minutes.

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Stir together flour , sugar , cardamom , and salt in a large bowl , then blend in butter with a pastry blender or your finger.

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Stir in milk , whole egg , and yeast mixture with a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms.

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Turn dough out onto a well-floured surface and knead , dusting surface and hands with just enough flour to keep dough from sticking , until dough is smooth and elastic , 8 to 10 minutes.

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Pat dough into a 9-inch square and sprinkle with raisins.

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Fold dough over to enclose raisins and pinch edges to seal.

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Knead , dusting surface and hands lightly with flour , until raisins are distributed.

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Form dough into a ball.

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Put dough in a buttered large bowl and turn to coat.

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Cover bowl with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel and let dough rise in a draft-free place a.

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Ingredients

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raisins, warm water, active dry yeast, all-purpose flour, sugar, ground cardamom, salt, unsalted butter, whole milk, egg, egg yolk, water