Cardamom White Bread

A sweet yeast bread scented with cardamom.

Recipe Ingredients:

2 cups milk
6 tablespoons granulated sugar - divided use
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/4 cup margarine
1 tablespoon butter
2 (0.25-ounce) packages active dry yeast, or 4 1/2 teaspoonsactive dry yeast
2 cups warm water
10 cups bread flour
1 1/2 tablespoons butter, melted

Cooking Directions:

1. Combine scalded milk, 3 tablespoons sugar, salt, cardamom, margarine, and butter; stir until smooth. Dissolve remaining sugar and yeast in warm water. Add flour, mixing well. Cover and let rise in a warm place about 20 minutes.
2. Stir in the milk mixture and flour; beat on medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until doubled in bulk.
3. Punch down and turnout onto a lightly floured surface. Let rest for 10 minutes. Divide the dough into thirds and shape each into a loaf. Place in greased loaf pans. Cover and let rise for 1 hour. Brush the tops with melted butter.
4. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (205°C) for 30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Makes 3 loaves.