Kulich
Photo: flickr user tsheko
Ingredients
Preparation
Tools
About
Kulich is a Russian Easter bread but you'll want to serve it any time of the year. Start the process early in the morning. The large amount of butter and sugar causes the rising process to be slower than the rising for a more "lean" dough. There are special yeasts available for sweet breads that may help speed this along.
If you don't have ground cardamom seeds on hand, you can use almond or lemon extract instead.
This is a sticky dough because there is much sugar, so if you're having trouble keeping the dough from sticking, oil your hands with vegetable oil rather than adding more flour. You may need to use more or less flour than the amount called for in the recipe. The less flour you use (this will become easier as you become more proficient at breadmaking), the sweeter and lighter your bread will be.
This bread freezes well. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in large zipper bags before freezing. Bread must be cooled several hours before freezing. Extra thick slices make great French Toast! (perfect way to use it up a day or two later!).