Swedish Cardamom Twisters

Twisters

1 pkg yeast 1/2 tsp salt

1/2 c warm water 1 c sugar

2 1/2 c milk, scalded and cooled 1 1/2 tsp ground cardamom

3/4 c buttter, melted and cooled About 7 c regular flour

1 egg

In large bowl, blend yeast and water; let stand 5 minutes. Stir in the milk, melted butter, egg, salt, sugar, and cardamom until blended. With heavy spoon, stir in 7 cups flour to form a stiff dough. Turn dough onto a floured board. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. Place in a greased bowl; turn dough over to grease top; cover and let rise (about 1 1/2 - 2 hours). Divide into 6 equal portions. Then roll each to form ropes about 24 in long. Place 3 ropes on lightly floured board; pinch tops together, and loosely braid. Form braid into a ring, place on cookie sheet, cover and let rise until almost double ( about 40 minutes). Makes 2 wreaths

Bake at 350 degrees about 35-40 minutes.

Decorate with cherries after drizzling with with icing ( or freeze and ice and cherries when thawed).

Sugar icing: Beat 1 c unsifted powdered sugar, 2 TBSP milk, and 1/2 tsp lemon extract. (For each wreath)