Coffee Bread

My grandmother Nylund used to make this bread and served it everyday for "Coffee" - the Scandinavian equivalent to the British "Tea". We always called it "Coffee bread" but I have since learned it is called "Cardamom bread". Enjoy!
Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter
  
• 3/4 cup warm milk
• 1 pkg yeast
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 4 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom

Procedure:

1. In a small saucepan on low heat, combine butter and milk until the butter is just melted.
2. In a small bowl, combine yeast, sugar and warm water. Stir gently for a few seconds, then let stand until the yeast is frothy.
3. In a large mixing bowl, mix flour, salt ane cardamom; whisk gently to distribute the ingredients.
4. In separate bowl, beat 2 eggs and set aside.
5. Check that the milk and butter mixture is not too hot, and then combine all ingredients.
6. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic.
7. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowlo and let rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about one hour.
8. Punch down the dough, and shape into desired shape.
9. If you are not going to glaze it after baking, sprinkle with pearl (or coarse) sugar.
10. Put finished breads onto greased cookie sheet. (When I do the small braided ones (great for dipping) you should NOT grease the cookie sheet.)
11. Let rise again until double in size, about 45 minutes.
12. Brush the top of each with an egg wash.
13. Bake at 350 degrees (180c) for 25 minutes.

Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 Tablespoon butter - melted
• 2 Tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Combine and spread on warm bread.