FINNISH CHRISTMAS BREAD

Steps:

• Sprinkle yeast on the warm water, let stand for a few minutes; stir to blend.
• Stir in milk, sugar, salt, cardmon, eggs, and 2 cups of the flour; beat until smooth.
• Add 3 more cups of flour; beat until smooth.
• Stir in melted butter.
• Add enough of the remaining flour to make a soft dough which can be handled.
• Cover and let rest 15 minutes.
• Turn out on a floured board;knead until smooth and elastic.
• Place in greased bowl; turn greased side up. Cover with a damp towel.
• Let rise in a warm place until double in bulk - about 1 hour.
• Punch down.
• Cover and let rise again until almost doubled - about 1/2 hour.
• Turn out onto floured board and punch down again.
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• Divide into 3 equal parts to make 3 coffee cakes. Place coffee cakes on greased and floured cookie sheet to rise. IMPORTANT! after shaping breads, let rise about 20 minutes UNTIL PUFFY, NOT DOUBLED!
• Bake at 375 degrees F. for 20 to 25 minutes or until lightly browned.