Pulla (Finnish Cardamom Coffee Braid)

This is something I made for brunch at work. It was a big hit, especially with those who were familiar with cardamom bread. For those cardamom bread newbies (myself included), new fans were found. It's a really pretty bread.

Pulla (Finnish Cardamom Coffee Braid)
2 eggs plus scalded milk to equal 1 1/3 cups
2 tsp. active dry yeast
1 tsp. salt
3/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp. freshly ground cardamom
1 cup whole wheat flour
3 cups bread flour
1/2 stick butter, softened
1 egg
1 Tbsp. milk
Pearl sugar

Heat eggs with tap water. Cool the milk until warm, between 105ºF and 115ºF, and add to eggs. Pour into warmed mixing bowl, and add yeast. Let stand 5 minutes.

Add salt, sugar, cardamom, wheat flour and half the bread flour. Beat well. Cover and let stand 15 minutes.

Slowly add the butter and remaining bread flour. Mix until dough forms. Knead on medium speed until dough is smooth and springy but soft to the touch. Cover and let rise one hour.

Punch down dough, and divide into 3 sections. Shape each piece into a rope by rolling it between your palms and a lightly oiled surface until the strand is about 1 inch in diameter. Braid the strands together, pinching the ends to seal. Place the loaf onto a baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 to 60 minutes. Preheat oven to 375ºF. Combine egg and milk. Brush loaves with egg wash and coarse sugar. Bake 15 to 25 minutes until loaves are golden and wooden skewer comes out clean. Cool on wire rack.