Sometimes you revisit the past to move forward in the present, only to discover the past has changed. (!)
This post was originally entitled “My First Guest Post” and it was linked to a blog that apparently no longer exists. (No worries. I totally understand… “stuff happens.”) Following are excerpts from the original post, along with Grandma’s Cardamom Bread recipe.
One of the things I love about blogging is that it’s like having the world’s cookbook at your fingertips. You can find a recipe for anything, anytime, anywhere!
Coincidentally (or not), cardamom isn’t so easy to find, especially in the middle of Oklahoma. After I finally located some, I promptly made a batch of Kheer that I’d been wanting to try…
As well as my Grandma’s Cardamom Bread (Bohemian Braided Bread) — a recipe from my past, in more ways than one!
Grandma’s Cardamom Bread (Bohemian Braided Bread)
1/4 c. warm water
1 pkg. yeast
1/2 c. milk, scalded & cooled
6 Tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 egg, beaten
1/4 c. butter, softened
2-1/2 to 3 c. flour (more or less), divided
1 tsp. cardamom
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. mace
1/2 c. raisins (I use regular & golden raisins)
Powdered sugar icing
Maraschino cherries & whole blanched almonds, for garnish
Dissolve yeast in warm water; let stand until foamy.
Combine milk, sugar, and salt. Stir in yeast mixture.
Add egg and butter; mix well with a wooden spoon.
Add enough flour (in two additions) to form a soft dough. Use only enough flour as needed and “don’t be afraid of a sticky dough,” per Grandma.
Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; knead until it springs back and forms a smooth ball.
Place dough in a buttered bowl, then turn “buttered side up.” Cover with a damp towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled; punch down.
Allow to rise until doubled a second time; punch down again.
Sprinkle dough with mace, cardamom and raisins; knead in until combined.
Divide dough into 4 equal parts. Shape 3 parts into 14″ long ropes and place them on a lightly greased baking sheet. Braid loosely to form one large braid; pinch ends to seal.
Divide remaining dough into 3 parts; shape into 12″ long ropes. Braid them and place smaller braid on top of larger one; pinch ends together. Cover; let rise in a warm place until double.
Preheat oven to 350° F. Bake 40 to 60 minutes until golden and “hollow sounding” when thumped. Transfer from baking sheet to a wire rack.
Drizzle powdered sugar icing over the loaf while it’s warm; garnish with maraschino cherries and whole blanched almonds.
Cool completely before slicing.
Enjoying the flavor of friendship — past and present,
~ Kim
Great Job! WOW that bread is so perfectly beautiful! Thank you for sharing!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Isabelle! I had fun getting my hands into bread dough again — I need to do that more often. Good for the soul — and the arms, lol!
The bread sounds delicious and I love your remark… “Isn’t it nice to know ”home” is as close as your kitchen?” We’re having a rainy day today and you made me feel cozy inside.
Thank you, Shary! Even though there’s just a teeny-tiny bit of each spice, the combination is amazing. A little dab’ll do ya! :) Glad it warmed your rainy day!
Kim– I have yet to do a guest post, so you are ahead of me! Thanks for the tasty recipe and have a great day!
Tina, — it was really fun (while it lasted)! Are ya interested?
Absolutely lovely sentiments, Kim….and I LOVE cardamom too:)
Thank you, Rachel! I’ve really been missing my family lately (didn’t get to go “home” for the holidays…) At least I could “taste” it!
Awesome, Kim! If you ever want to guest post over in my digs, I’d love to have you ANY time. But no pressure. But I’d love it. =)
How ’bout Chicago from a lady truck driver’s viewpoint?! I have some hilarious stories to tell about the Windy City. :) Of course some of them include FOOD!!! Thanks for stopping here (and there) to comment, Jenna!
Congrats with your guest post!!! The photos (and the dishes in them) look absolutely delightful, heading over to read about them :)
Thanks, Gourmantine! I’m glad you noticed the dishes, too — they belonged to my Grandma. Treasures….
Congratulations on your first guest post…it was terrific! I’m SO thrilled for you!
Ann, you made me feel like doing the happy dance! :) Thanks!
Guest post? Sounds cool! Love the shape of these bread……. Valentine’s Day is near……. going over to chk out your post now!
I appreciate that, Shirley! I’m smiling about your “shape” comment — didn’t realize the slices looked heart-shaped until you mentioned it! You have such an eye for food art! :)
Way to go Kim! It looks absolutely delectable! I wish I could eat some of your cooking. Lol! I noticed the hearts too and thought you were gearing up for V-day. Lol. Too cute.
Tamika, I guess it was subliminal — made with LOVE! :) Thanks for stopping in to visit!