Nisu

Instructions

1. 1

   Dissolve the yeast in the warm water.

2. 2

   Stir in the milk, sugar, salt, cardamom, eggs and enough flour to make a batter (about 2 cups). beat until dough is smooth and elastic.

3. 3

   Add about 3 cups of flour and beat well. Dough should be smooth and glossy in appearance.

4. 4

   Add remaining flour 1 cup at a time until dough is stiff. Add the butter; beat until dough looks glossy again.

5. 5

   Turn out onto floured board, cover with inverted mixing bowl. Let rest for 15 minutes.

6. 6

   Knead until smooth and satiny.

7. 7

   Place in a lightly greased bowl, turn dough to grease top, cover lightly and let rise in warm place (about 85 degrees F) until doubled.

8. 8

   Punch down; let rise again.

9. 9

   Turn out onto a lightly floured board, divide into 3 parts, and divide each part into three. Shape each piece of dough into a strip 16 inches long by rolling between palms and board.

10. 10

    Braid 3 strips together into a straight loaf and pinch the ends together and tuck under. Repeat for second and third loaves.

11. 11

    Place on lightly greased baking sheets. Let rise until puffy (1/2 to 1 hour).

12. 12

    Glaze loaves with a mixture of beaten egg and milk.

13. 13

    Sprinkle with pearl sugar, crushed loaf sugar (sugar cubes) and or sliced almonds.

14. 14

    Bake at 400 degrees for 25−30 minutes.

15. 15

    Do not overbake or loaves will be dry. Makes 3 loaves.