Finnish Cardamom Bread

Directions

1. In a small bowl combine the yeast and water, let stand for 10 minutes until frothy.
2. Meanwhile, warm the milk over low heat until it is steaming. Remove from the heat and add the butter, sugar and salt and stir until dissolved.
3. Pour the milk mixture into a large bowl and beat in the eggs, yolks, 1 1/2 cups of the flour, cardamom and finally the yeast. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
4. Stir in the flour gradually, beating well to incorporate the flour. Add the currants after the first addition of flour. Knead for 8 minutes then coat with oil to rise for an hour or until doubled in bulk.
5. Punch down the dough to release the gases and divide into three equal parts. Start with the first third of the dough, lightly roll into a rope then cut into three. Braid the three pieces and place on a baking sheet. Repeat to the other two lumps of dough. Let the braided loaves rest and rise for 45 minutes.
6. Pre-heat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Mix the icing sugar and vanilla until well combined to form a sweet sauce. Drizzle over cooled loaves.