Cardamom Braids

Combine:

2 tablespoons yeast
¼ cup lukewarm water

Add:

2 cup warm milk
¾ cup sugar
1½ teaspoon salt
½ cup shortening
1½ teaspoon ground cardamom
2 eggs, beaten
7 to 8 cups white flour

Mix & knead until elastic. Let rise twice. Divide dough in half, divide each half into thirds, shape into 13 inch rope. Place 3 ropes on a greased baking sheet, braid ropes, pinch ends to seal. Bake when risen at 350° for 25 to 30 minutes.

This recipe is also good for making rolls; instead of making ropes, roll dough into golf ball sized lumps, let rise, and then bake.