Swedish Cardamom Braid

Description

 * Source: Holiday Cookbook, Wedman

Ingredients

 * 2 tbsp yeast
 * ½ cup lukewarm water (105°F to 110°F)
 * ½ cup milk, scalded
 * ¼ cup sugar
 * ½ tsp salt
 * ¼ cup vegetable oil
 * 1 egg
 * 3½ cups flour
 * 1 tsp ground cardamom
 * ½ cup raisins, dark or golden

Directions

 * 1) Combine the yeast and the lukewarm water.
 * 2) Let stand until dissolved.
 * 3) Pour the hot milk over the sugar to dissolve it.
 * 4) Add the salt and vegetable oil.
 * 5) Cool.
 * 6) Stir in the yeast mixture, egg, 3 cups of the flour and the cardamom into the sugar mixture.
 * 7) Add the raisins and extra flour.
 * 8) Beat until smooth.
 * 9) Turn the dough onto a lightly-floured surface.
 * 10) Knead until smooth and elastic.
 * 11) Transfer to a lightly-oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
 * 12) Punch down the dough and transfer to a lightly-floured surface.
 * 13) Divide into thirds.
 * 14) Roll each part into a 10-inch-long strand.
 * 15) Braid loosely.
 * 16) Place on a lightly-oiled baking sheet.
 * 17) Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
 * 18) Bake in a 350°F oven for 30 to 35 minutes.

Nutritional information
One serving = calories: 121 | carbohydrates: 17 | protein: 2 | fat: 5 | sodium: 94 | potassium: 89 | cholesterol: 23
 * Exchange value: 1 bread exchange + 1 fat exchange