Juanita 09-23-99 11:00 AM
Cookbooks Online Database.
Finnish Pulla Bread Recipes by Juanita
Recipe I
1 qt. milk
1 1/4 c. margarine, divided
3 pkg. yeast
2 1/2 c. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. salt
6 eggs
5 lb. flour
20 cardamom seed, ground (remove shells and use mortar and pestle to grind)
1/4 c. cold coffee (optional)
Sugar (optional)
Blanched almonds (optional)
Scald milk with 1/2 pound margarine.
Place yeast in cup of warm water.
Pour scalded milk on sugar in a very large mixing bowl.
When milk and sugar mixture are lukewarm, add approximately 1/2 of flour and mix with egg beater or spoon.
Add yeast, salt, beaten eggs, cardamom and remaining flour (reserving 1 cup of flour).
Mix well and turn onto floured board.
Begin kneading and when all flour is mixed, add remaining margarine.
Knead until mixture no longer sticks to hands, about 7 to 10 minutes.
Place in a warm area to rise until double (approximately 2 1/2 to 3 hours).
Punch down.
Divide into 8 equal lumps.
Divide each lump into 3 lumps.
Roll out equal length 1-inch diameter cylinders for braiding.
Dust board with flour.
Braid 3 strips together to make a loaf.
Braid remaining to make a total of 8 loaves (adding flour as needed so dough will not stick to board).
Let rise in a warm place until loaves double in size (approximately 1 1/2 hours).
Glaze with mixture of 1 egg yolk and 1/4 cup of water or cold coffee just before baking.
Sprinkle with sugar and blanched almonds if you wish.
Bake on cookie sheets in preheated 325 degree oven for 45 minutes (approximately).
Pulla is done when top is brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Makes 8 loaves.
Recipe may be halved.
Recipe II
1 pkg. yeast
2 lb. flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cardamom, ground
1 cube butter
1 c. sugar
2 c. milk
2 eggs
Mix yeast in 1/4 cup lukewarm milk or water.
Let stand while mixing salt, cardamom, sugar, butter, 1 egg and 1 3/4 cup lukewarm milk; then add yeast.
Add flour, about 7 cups; cover and let rise in warm oven to twice size.
Knead and divide into 3 loaves.
Braid or put into regular loaves and put on greased pan or cookie sheet.
Cover lightly and let rise in warm oven.
Baste with other egg and bake in preheated 350 degree oven.