Swedish Cardamom Braid Or Buns
Submitted by ncgnet on November 17, 2010 at 12:11 pm

DESCRIPTION
Adapted from a recipe for buns, from a talented Swedish baker

SUMMARY
Yield 3 braids File under buns, cardamom, Swedish braid, yeast bread

INGREDIENTS
Dough

1 1/2 stick (6 oz.) butter or margarine
1 2/3 cups milk
2 pkgs dry yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt (scant)
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons ground cardamom
1 egg
4 to 41/2 cups all purpose flour

In addition: one egg white, or one egg beaten with 1 teaspoon water, granulated or pearl sugar for braids, see below for bun filling ingredients

INSTRUCTIONS
Melt the butter/margarine in a saucepan. Remove from heat and add the milk. The temperature should be lukewarm (between 105° and 115°). Place this in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle yeast over the top. When dissolved, add one egg, salt, sugar, and cardamom. Stir well. Then add the flour, little by little, and work the dough until smooth and shiny. It should not be too hard. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes.

Turn the dough out and knead it.

For Braids:

Divide into three parts. Divide each part into three additional parts. Roll each small part into a smooth strand about 12-14” long. Braid three strands. (Try to make them even; shorter and fatter is better than longer and skinnier.) Place each braid on a greased cookie sheet. (Two braids will fit on one sheet.)

Cover and let rise an additional 20-30 minutes. Brush each braid with egg or egg white. Sprinkle with sugar.

Bake in a 350° oven for approximately 40 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from cookie sheet and let cool on rack.

Note: if baking braids on two cookie sheets, put one sheet on highest rack setting, the other on next to bottom. Switch half way through.

For Buns:

Divide in two parts and roll out each part into a rectangle about 12" by 18". Spread with the desired filling. roll up from the long side. Cut each roll in 20-24 slices. Place, cut side up, in paper cups or directly on baking sheet. Cover and let rise for another 20-25 minutes. Brush with beaten egg, sprinkle with pearl sugar, and, if you like, chopped almonds. bake in a 425 degree oven for about 10 to 15 minutes.

Fillings:
1. 1 stick of butter,
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 tbsp cardamom or cinnamon

2. 1 stick of butter
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tbsp vanilla sugar