Easter Bird's Nest Bread

Ingredients

• 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
• 1/2 cup warm milk (110° to 115°)
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 egg
• 3-3/4 to 4-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• Glaze:
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 to 2 tablespoons 2% milk
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• Additional confectioners' sugar

Directions

1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the milk, butter, sugar, salt, cardamom, egg and 2 cups flour; beat until smooth.
2. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
3. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top.
4. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
5. Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into 12 pieces.
6. Roll each piece into a 15-in. rope; tie into a loose knot. Place on greased baking sheets; cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
7. Bake at 375° for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks.
8. For glaze, in a small bowl, mix confectioners' sugar, enough milk to achieve desired consistency and extract until smooth. Drizzle over warm bread.
9. Sprinkle with additional confectioners' sugar.

Interesting Facts

• This Easter-inspired bread was originally created in Germany and is believed to have been a symbol of rebirth.
• Easter Bird's Nest Bread is very popular in Scandinavia, where it is served during festive meals.
• The dough of the bread is shaped into a nest-like formation to represent new life.