CARDAMOM WREATH

Cardamom Wreath image

This lovely ring has a sweet spicy flavor, and the pretty shape makes it a special treat to serve at Christmas dinner with Cardamom Butter. I've been cooking since I was very young, and yeast breads are my favorite things to bake. -Judy Wilson, Vermont, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h15m

Yield 2 loaves (2 cups butter).

Number Of Ingredients 20

Ingredients

2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
1/3 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
4 large eggs
1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
2-1/4 teaspoons ground cardamom
2 teaspoons salt
7 to 7-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon 2% milk
Toasted sliced almonds
Sugar or coarse sugar
CARDAMOM BUTTER:
2 cups butter, softened
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons grated orange zest
1 to 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Steps:

In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in 3 eggs, evaporated milk, yeast mixture, sour cream, orange zest, cardamom, salt and 6 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. , Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 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 hour., Punch dough down; turn onto a floured surface. Divide into six portions. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes. , Shape each portion into a 24-in. rope. Place three ropes on a greased baking sheet and braid. Form into a ring; pinch ends tightly together. Repeat with remaining dough. Cover and let rise until almost doubled, about 45 minutes., Beat milk and remaining egg; brush over wreaths. Sprinkle with almonds and sugar. Bake at 375° for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool. , Meanwhile, in a large bowl, beat cardamom butter ingredients until blended. Serve with bread.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 277 calories, Fat 16g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 70mg cholesterol, Sodium 313mg sodium, Carbohydrate 28g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 5g protein.