PULLA (Finnish Coffee bread)

Dissolve yeast in water; add pinch of sugar to proof it. Beat the eggs and sugar; then add the milk, yeast, salt and cardamom. Add enough of the flour to make a thick, elastic mixture (about 2 cups). Beat vigorously until dough is smooth and elastic. Mix about 3 c. of flour, and add the butter. Add rest of flour. Knead until dough separates completely from your hands and sides of the bowl. Invert bowl over dough and let rest for 15 min. Put in lightly greased bowl, cover with a cloth and leave to rise in a warm place. When it has doubled (about an hour), punch down and let rise again (about 30 min.) Turn onto lightly floured board, divide into three parts, and then divide each section into 3 balls. Roll each ball into 3 strands about 16? long. Braid 3 strands together, tucking ends underneath, making 3 braided loaves. Place on a baking tray and let rise again, about 20 minutes. Glaze with beaten egg yolk, then sprinkle almonds and pearl sugar (or white sugar) on top. Bake 25-30 min. at 400 degrees.