Cardamom Braid Bread

Dissolve yeast in ½ cup of warm milk. Cream the butter and sugar. Beat in the egg. Then add yeast mixture, remaining milk, salt, and cardamom. Gradually mix in the flour to make a moderately soft dough. Turn out onto lightly floured surface; knead till smoother and elastic, 5 to 8 minutes. Place in lightly greased bowl, turning once to grease surface. Cover; let rise till dough has doubled, about 1¼ hours. Punch down. Turn out onto lightly floured surface and divide dough into thirds; form into balls. Let rest 10 minutes.

Roll each ball to a 16-inch long rope. Line up the 3 ropes, 1 inch apart, on greased baking sheet. Braid loosely, beginning in the middle and working towards the ends. Pinch ends together and tuck under. Cover; let rise about 40 minutes, till almost double. Brush with a little milk. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon sugar. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until nicely browned. Cool on wire rack.