August 8, 2009 - 7:09pm
Scandinavian Cardamom Braid
I needed to bake something for a neighborhood picnic today and in my trusty notebook I found the recipe for this cardamom braid. I thought it was from somebody here at TFL but haven't been able to find the post. Just want to thank you, if you recognize the name, and to say the loaves are wonderful! It makes two braided loaves and the dough must be from Beatrice Ojakangas because it uses her no knead chilled overnight method. I brushed the braids with egg and milk wash and sprinkled raw sugar, and the great oven spring opened up the braids and made a neat pattern. Definitely a keeper, A.
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This sounds very similar to JulieJ's Mother-in-law's Recipe for Finnish Cardamom Buns (Pulla) and isn't cardamom in sweet bread wonderful?!
-Elizabeth
(Here is my take on the sweet cardamom buns)
Good morning, Elizabeth, and yes, cardamom in sweet bread IS wonderful, although I understand some people don't care for it. I have no source for cardamom pods here on the island but may have to try mail order. I gave half a braid to a neighbor and she walked over yesterday to tell me it was the best bread I have ever made. I really like the ease of the chilled overnight dough and would highly reccomend Beatrice Ojakangas' book "The Great Scandinavian Baking Book" which is where I first learned about it. She has some interesting comments on Pulla. A.
Thank you for the recommendation Annie; I've just put the book on hold at the library and am looking forward to seeing what Ojakangas says about Pulla.
Too bad about having no source for cardamom pods in your neighbourhood. (HOw fortunate are we? We love being able to bicycle over to Indiatown to get terrific cardamom - pre-ground, seeds OR pods.)
-Elizabeth