Finnish Pulla Bread

1. Warm the milk in a small saucepan until it bubbles. then remove from heat. Let cool until lukewarm. (I used the microwave.) 2. Dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Stir in the lukewarm milk, sugar, cardamom, 4 eggs and enough flour to make a batter (approximately 5 cups). Add the salt LAST. (This helps the yeast to rise better). Use stand mixer and beat until the dough is smooth and glossy in appearance. Add the salted butter or margarine, and stir well. (Make sure the butter has cooled after melting). Beat again until the dough looks glossy. Stir in the remaining flour until the dough is stiff. 3. Turn out of bowl onto a floured surface, cover with an inverted mixing bowl, and let rest for 15 minutes. Knead the dough until smooth and satiny, Place in a lightly greased mixing bowl, and turn the dough to grease the top. Cover with a clean dishtowel. Let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour. Punch down, and let rise again until almost doubled. 4. Turn out again on to a floured surface, and divide into 2 parts. Divide each of the 2 parts into 3 again. Roll each piece into a 12 to 16 inch strip. Brain 3 strips into a loaf. You should get 2 large loaves. 5. Brush each loaf with egg wash and sprinkle with pearl sugar. (I used regular sugar). 6. Bake at 400 degrees F for about 40 minutes. I used the cooking stones and put 1 braided loaf on each stone.