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1
In a small saucepan, scald the milk. Do this by bringing the temperature to a high simmer quickly (bubbles will begin to form along the edge). Turn off and remove from heat. Allow to cool to lukewarm. A skin will form. (If no skin forms, the milk wasn't heated sufficiently).
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2
Skim the skin from the top. This removes a protein which is not beneficial to the bread making process.
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3
Dissolve yeast in water which is lukewarm. Set aside.
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4
In a mixing bowl, add the dissolved yeast and 1 cup of sugar to the cooled milk with 3-4 cups flour along with the cardamom. Stir together, cover, and set this (the sponge) in a warm place, free from draft to rise for several hours.
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5
When the sponge has risen to about double in bulk, melt the butter in a small saucepan. Stir in lemon and orange zest, 3 cups sugar, vanilla, and salt. Allow to cool to lukewarm and stir this mixture into the sponge. Add the lemon juice.
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6
Begin to stir in the flour, a 1/2 cup at a time until the dough can be turned out onto a floured board to be kneaded. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic (5-10 minutes), adding in additional flour as needed to prevent the dough from sticking. However, do not add too much flour or the finished bread will be heavy.
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7
Knead in the raisins and nuts. Knead an additional 5 minutes, and place dough in a large bowl greased with butter or oil, turning once to grease the top. Cover and place in a warm place, free from draft, to rise until nearly doubled in bulk. This may take several hours.
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8
After dough has risen, roll into balls of different sizes and place into greased coffee tins or bread pans. Or you may braid the dough and place on a cookie sheet.
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9
Brush the top with an egg wash* and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven until bread is golden brown on top and tapping the bottom of the loaf sounds hollow. With experience, you'll be able to tell when the bread is done because the house will smell like a bakery! *Egg wash: Mix the white of an egg with a tablespoon of water. This imparts a glossy sheen to the top of the bread and also allows you to adhere poppy seeds or sesame seeds to the top
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10
Remove bread from pans and set on a wire rack to cool. Don't set it directly on a dish or the bottom will steam. Brush the tops with butter and allow to cool before slicing with a serrated knife.
