Cardamom Braided Bun

Heat milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until it reaches boiling point, then take off the stove. Allow it to cool down slightly.

Combine warm water and yeast in a large bowl, stirring until the yeast dissolves. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly.

Mix together lukewarm milk, sugar, 4 beaten eggs, salt, and cardamom in a separate bowl. Gradually add the yeast mixture to this bowl, then incorporate 2 cups of flour until well combined. Add another 3 cups of flour and continue mixing until the dough is smooth, elastic, and shiny. Finally, add melted butter to the mixture and blend until it's evenly distributed.

Transfer the dough onto a floured surface, cover it with an inverted mixing bowl, and let it rest for 15 minutes.

Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and silky, then place it in a lightly greased mixing bowl. Turn the dough to coat it evenly with flour, cover it with a dish towel, and let it rise in a warm place until it's almost doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Punch down the dough and let it rise again until almost doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C). Grease two baking sheets with butter or cooking spray.

Divide the dough into three equal pieces and then divide each piece into thirds. Roll out each piece into a 12- to 16-inch long strip. Braid three strips together to form three large, braided loaves. Place the loaves onto the prepared baking sheets and cover them with a dish towel, letting them rise for 20 minutes.

In a small bowl, beat together 1 egg and water until well combined. Brush this mixture over the loaves and sprinkle with sugar.

Bake the loaves in the preheated oven until they're golden brown on top, 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as the bottoms can burn quickly.