| 1 | In a large mixer bowl combine 2 ?cups all-purpose flour, yeast, and cardamom. |
| 2 | In a saucepan heat milk, sugar, butter, and salt just till warm (115°F) and the butter is almost melted; stir constantly. |
| 3 | Add heated milk mixture to flour mixture; add 1 egg. |
| 4 | Beat at low speed of electric mixer for ?minute. |
| 5 | Beat 3 minutes at high speed, scraping sides of bowl constantly. |
| 6 | Stir in 1 chopped mixed candied fruits and peels (optional), raisins, and as much of the 2 ?cups all-purpose flour as you can mix in with a spoon. |
| 7 | Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. |
| 8 | Knead in enough of the remaining all-purpose flour to make a moderately stiff dough that is smooth and elastic (6 to 8 minutes total). |
| 9 | Shape dough into a ball. |
| 10 | Place in a lightly greased bowl; turn once to grease surface. |
| 11 | Cover, let rise in a warm place till double (about 1 ?hours). |
| 12 | Punch dough down; divide dough in half. |
| 13 | Cover; let rest 10 minutes. |
| 14 | Shape into 2 round loaves; place on greased baking sheets. |
| 15 | Flatten each slightly to a 6-inch diameter. |
| 16 | Cover; let rise till nearly double (45 to 60 minutes). |
| 17 | Stir together 1 slightly beaten egg yolk and 2 tablespoons water, brush over loaves. |
| 18 | Bake in a 350f oven for 35 minutes or till done. |
| 19 | Cool on a wire rack. |
| 20 | Makes 2 round loaves. |
