Lucia Bread

In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. In a separate bowl, combine sugar, butter, and salt. Pour hot milk over sugar and butter and allow to cool to 105 -115 degrees F, about 10 minutes. When cool enough, add milk mixture to yeast, then add eggs. Gradually add flour, mixing the cardamom with the flour before adding to the liquid mixture. When all the flour has been added, knead for 5-7 minutes. The dough should be fairly soft, but not sticky.

Divide dough in half, Each half will make one bread ring. Using one half of the dough, divide that into four equal pieces. Form 3 of the pieces into 20" ropes and braid these into a ring. Using the remining piece of doug, divide that into two even pieces and form each of those into 20" ropes. Twist these and place twisted ring on top of braided ring. Let rise until doubled, about 45-60 minutes. Bake at 350F for 25-30 minutes.

Frost with butter cream frosting. It is lovely to add a little orange zest to the frosting.