CARDAMOM HOLIDAY BREAD

Cardamom Holiday Bread image

I have fond memories of coming home from school to find this bread cooling on a wire rack. I could hardly wait for a warm savory slice.-Sheryl Olstad, Rochester, New Hampshire

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 55m

Yield 3 loaves (16 slices each).

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
4 large eggs, room temperature, beaten
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 to 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom
1 teaspoon salt
7-1/2 to 8 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups confectioners' sugar
3 to 4 tablespoons 2% milk
Halved candied cherries
Toasted sliced almonds

Steps:

Dissolve yeast in warm water. Add milk, eggs, sugar, butter, cardamom, salt and 2 cups flour; beat until smooth. Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. , Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1-1/2 hours., Punch down dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into 9 portions. Roll each into a 12-in. rope. Place ropes on greased baking sheets. Working with 3 at a time, braid ropes. Pinch ends to seal; tuck under., Cover with kitchen towels; let rise in a warm place until almost doubled, about 45 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°. Bake until golden, 20-25 minutes. Cool. Meanwhile, make a glaze by mixing confectioners' sugar and enough milk to reach desired consistency. Drizzle glaze over loaves; decorate as desired with cherries and almonds.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 141 calories, Fat 3g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 23mg cholesterol, Sodium 79mg sodium, Carbohydrate 25g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges