Dissolve yeast in water that is heated to about 105-110°
Heat the milk and butter in the microwave or on the stovetop until the butter is melted.
Whisk the egg into the milk mixture.
In a seperate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and cardamom.
In a mixer, add the milk mixture, and half of the flour mixture, until it is incorperated. Then add yeast. and the rest of the flour mixture.
Cover the dough and it let rise until it is doubled in size, usually about an hour in a warm place.
Once it has risen, knead the dough, then divide it into six equal pieces, to make two braided loaves. Roll the pieces into 9 inch long ropes, about one inch wide. Braid three pieces into one loaf, then repeat for the second loaf.
Let the braided loaves rise again for an hour and a half.
After they have risen, place the loaves onto a greased cookie sheet. Option to brush the loaves with a milk wash and sprinkle with raw sugar!
Bake at 350° for 25 minutes. Serve with coffee!