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["Scald the milk in a small saucepan (heat until a ring of small bubbles is visible around the sides of the pan). Remove from heat and let cool.", "In a large bowl, whisk yeast into the warm water and set aside for 5 minutes.", "Whisk the milk, sugar, cardamom, salt, and eggs into the yeast mixture.", "Add 2 cups of the flour and beat with a wooden spoon until smooth.", "Beat in the butter and as much additional flour, 1/2 cup at a time, as you can until the dough is stiff but not dry.", "Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rest for 15 minutes.", "Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth and satiny, about 10 minutes.", "Shape the dough into a ball, place into a lightly greased bowl, turn it over in the bowl to grease the top, and cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let rise at room temperature 45-60 minutes until doubled in size.", "Lightly oil a cool work surface.", """Punch down"" or lightly knead the air bubbles out of the dough on the oiled surface.", "Divide the dough in thirds and roll each third into a rope about 36 inches long.", "Line a large baking sheet with parchment.", "Braid the 3 strands on the baking sheet, and pinch the ends. To make the 2 loaves, braid the entire strand and cut in half. Set the braids next to each other on the baking sheet.", "Cover the braids with a towel and let rise at room temperature about 45 minutes.", "Center a rack in the oven and preheat the oven to 375u00b0F", "Combine the beaten egg and 1 tablespoon of milk to make the glaze.", "Brush the egg glaze over the bread (a pastry brush works well for this).", "Sprinkle with almonds and pearl sugar (optional).", "Bake 20-25 minutes until golden. Transfer to a rack to cool to room temperature before cutting.", "The bread is best eaten the day it is made, but can be stored 1-2 days covered in plastic wrap."]
