Cardamom Christmas Bread
alt.bread.recipes/JavaMama/2000

2 1/4 cups flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground cardamom
1 pkg. dry yeast
2/3 cup warm milk
2 tbsp. sugar
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup butter, melted

FROSTING
1 cup sifted confectioners sugar
2 tbsp. milk
1/4 tsp. vanilla
1/4 cup blanched almonds

Mix flour, salt and cardamom; set aside.

Sprinkle yeast over milk in large sauce pan; stir until dissolved.

Stir in sugar, egg, and flour mix; mix well. Add 2 tbsp butter, mix thoroughly. Turn dough onto lightly floured surface; knead until smooth Turn into lightly greased bowl. Cover with damp towel; let rise in warm place about 1 hour.

Punch down dough; cut into 3 equal parts. Roll each part into a 24 inch long rope. On lightly greased cookie sheet, braid the ropes. Join ends to form a circle. Brush with rest of butter. Cover with damp towel; let rise until double about another 45 minutes.

Preheat oven to 425(F).

Bake braid 12 minutes or until nicely browned. Cool on wire rack

Make Frosting:
Combine confectioner's sugar, milk, and vanilla in small bowl, stirring until smooth. Drizzle frosting over braid; let dry 10 minutes then decorate with almonds.