Braided Cardamom Rings

• 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup warm water (110u0b0 to 115u0b0)
• 2-1/2 cups warm milk (110u0b0 to 115u0b0)
• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 cup sugar
• 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 8-3/4 to 9-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon lemon extract
• 3 to 4 tablespoons milk
• Red and green candied cherries, halved, optional

1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Add the milk, butter, egg, sugar, cardamom and salt and 6 cups of 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 and divide in half. Divide each half into three portions. Shape each portion into a 24-in. long rope. Place three ropes on a greased
4. ; braid. Form into a ring; pinch edges tightly together. Repeat with remaining dough. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
5. Bake at 350u0b0 for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire racks.
6. For icing, combine the confectioners' sugar, extract and enough milk to achieve desired consistency; spoon over rings, allowing icing to drizzle down the sides. Decorate with cherries if desired.

active dry yeast, warm water, warm milk, butter, egg, sugar, ground cardamom, salt, flour, sugar, lemon extract, milk, red

Taken from www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/braided-cardamom-rings/ (may not work)