Instructions: 1. Scald milk and cool to lukewarm. Crumble yeast into bowl, add 1 Tsp sugar and lukewarm milk.

2. Beat in 3 cups flour; beat until smooth. Cover well and let rise until light and double in bulk, 1 - 1-1/2 hours.

3. Add soft butter, remaining sugar, salt, egg yolks, cardamom and 3 cups flour. Mix thoroughly. Place remaining 1/4 cup flour on board or pastry cloth for kneading.

4. Turn out dough and knead until smooth and elastic. Place in greased bowl. Cover well. Set aside to rise until double in bulk, 1 to 1-1/2 hours.

5. Cut risen dough in half for two cofee cakes (braids). Cut each half into 3 pieces. Roll each piece into a roll 16 inches long. Pinch 3 rolls together at one end, braid and pinch other ends together. Place braid on cookie sheet. Make second braid and place on cookie sheet.

6. Let braids rise until double in bulk, about 45 minutes. For topping brush each braid with 1 Tbsp milk and sprinkle with 3 Tbsp sugar.

7. Bake in moderate oven (375) 25 to 30 minutes.

Yield: 2 coffee cakes

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