FINNISH NISU - SWEET BREAD

Steps:

• Dissolve the yeast in the warm water.
• Stir in the milk, sugar, salt, cardamon, eggs and enough flour to make a batter (approx. 2 cups).
• Beat until dough is smooth and elastic.
• Add about 3 cups of flour and beat well.
• Dough should be smooth and glossy in appearance.
• Add remaining flour 1 cup at a time until dough is stiff.
• Add the butter; beat until dough looks glossy again.
• Turn out onto floured board, cover with inverted bowl.
• Let rest for 15 minutes.
• Knead until smooth and satiny.
• Place in lightly greased bowl, turn dough to grease top, cover lightly and let rise in warm place- until doubled in size.
• Punch down; let rise again.
• Turn out onton a lightly floured board, divide into 3 parts, and divide each part into 3.
• Shape each piece of dough into a strip 16 inches long by rolling between palms and board.
• Braid 3 strips together into a straight loaf and pinch ends together and tuck under.
• Repeat for second and third loafs.
• Place on lightly greased baking sheets.
• Let rise until puffy (1/2 to 1 hour).
• Glaze loaves with a mixture of beaten egg and milk.
• Sprinkle with sugar and sliced almonds.
• Bake at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes.
• Do not overbake- or bread will be dry.