Swedish Cardamom Braid

Method

• Combine the yeast and the lukewarm water
• Let stand until dissolved. Pour the hot milk over the sugar to dissolve it
• Pour the hot milk over the sugar to dissolve it
• Add the salt and vegetable oil
• Cool
• Stir in the yeast mixture, egg, 3 cups of the flour and the cardamom into the sugar mixture
• Add the raisins and extra flour
• Beat until smooth
• Turn the dough onto a lightly-floured surface
• Knead until smooth and elastic
• Transfer to a lightly-oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour
• Punch down the dough and transfer to a lightly-floured surface
• Divide into thirds
• Roll each part into a 10-inch-long strand
• Braid loosely
• Place on a lightly-oiled baking sheet
• Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour..