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Prep Time: 50 Minutes Cook Time: 25 Minutes |
Ready In: 75 Minutes Servings: 32 |
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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 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 eggs |
1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk |
1/4 cup sour cream |
1 tablespoon grated orange peel |
2-1/4 teaspoons ground cardamom |
2 teaspoons salt |
7 to 7-1/2 cups king arthur unbleached all-purpose flour |
1 tablespoon 2% milk |
toasted sliced almonds |
coarse or granulated sugar |
cardamom butter: |
2 cups butter, softened |
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar |
1-1/2 teaspoons grated orange peel |
1 to 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom |
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg |
Directions:
1. 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 peel, cardamom, salt and 6 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
2. 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.
3. Punch dough down; turn onto a floured surface. Divide into six portions. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, beat cardamom butter ingredients until blended. Serve with bread. Yield: 2 loaves (2 cups butter).
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