Sweet Bread

Portuguese Sweet-Bread

Portuguese Sweet-Bread

Ingredients

• 2 pkgs. active dry yeast
• 1 c. plus 1 tsp. sugar
• 1/2 c. lukewarm water
• 1/2 c. warm milk
• 3 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 tbsp. salt
• 4 to 4 1/2 c. flour
• 1 to 2 tsp. cardamom

Method

1. Combine the yeast, 1 teaspoon sugar and water in large bowl and allow to proof
2. Put the butter in the warm milk and add 1 cup sugar and blend well
3. Add to the yeast mixture and stir to combine the ingredients
4. Add 3 eggs, lightly beaten and the flavoring, 1 to 2 teaspoons cardamom and salt and mix well
5. Then add 4 cups flour, 1 cup at a time, kneading with your hands in the bowl to make a soft dough
6. Turn out on a floured board and knead until dough is smooth and elastic, using only enough additional flour to prevent sticking
7. This should take about 10 minutes
8. Shape into a ball and put into a buttered bowl, turning the dough to coat the surface with butter
9. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm, draft-free place until double in bulk
10. Punch down the dough and divide into 2 pieces
11. Shape, cover with greased wax paper until double
12. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 45 minutes
13. Makes 2 loaves