Bread from Finland SFM 5 star

Pulla

2 packages (2 scant tablespoons) active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water, 105°F to 115°F.
2 cups milk, scalded and cooled to lukewarm
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly crushed cardamom seeds
4 eggs, at room temperature
8 to 9 cups unbleached all purpose flour
1/2 cup soft or melted butter
Glaze:
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup sliced almonds and/or pearl sugar

1. In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Let stand 5 minutes or so until yeast begins to foam. Stir in the milk, sugar, salt, cardamom, eggs, plus enough flour to make a batter (about 2 cups). Beat until the dough is smooth and elastic. YOU CAN ALSO DO THIS IN THE BOWL OF A STANDING MIXER.

2.Add about 3 cups more flour and beat until the batter appears glossy, with no lumps. At this point I often let the dough sit for 15 minutes or so to let it “come together” – but that isn’t necessary. Then beat in the melted butter.

3. Beat in additional flour to make a stiff dough that can be kneaded. Often, I mix the dough with the dough hook on my standing mixer adding flour gradually. Be careful not to add too much flour – When dough is kneaded enough, it will have the feel of “wet paint” when touched with your knuckles.

4. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.

5. Turn dough out onto a lightly oiled and floured board. Divide into 3 parts, then divide each of the three parts into 3 parts. Shape each into a strip about 16 inches long by rolling the dough between the palms and the board. Braid 3 strips together into a straight loaf, pinch the edges together, and tuck under. Repeat for the second and third loaves. Lift the braids onto lightly greased or parchment covered baking sheets. Let rise for about 20 minutes (the braids should be puffy but not doubled in size).

6. Glaze the loaves by brushing with the egg glaze. Sprinkle with almonds and/or pearl sugar.

7. Preheat the oven to 400°F. (or for convection oven, to 350°F.) Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. Do not overbake or the loaves will be too dry. Remove from the oven when light golden-brown. Cool on a wire rack. Makes 3 braids.c