Saffron Buns - St. Lucia Bread

Photo: flickr user hfb

Ingredients

2 pkg. active yeast

1/2 cup lukewarm water

2/3 cup lukewarm milk (scalded, then cooled)

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup soft butter

2 eggs

2 teaspoons ground cardamom

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon turmeric (substitute for saffron)

5 1/2 cups flour

Soft butter

1 slightly beaten egg

1 tablespoon water

2 tablespoons sugar

Preparation

Dissolve yeast in warm water. Stir in milk, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup butter, 2 eggs, cardamom, salt, turmeric and 3 cups of flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough flour to make dough easy to handle. Turn dough onto lightly floured surface; knead until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover and let rise until doubled. Punch down dough.

Divide into 24 parts. Shape each piece into an S-shape rope; curve both ends into a coil. May place raisin in center of each coil. Place rolls on cookie sheet. Brush top with butter; let rise until doubled. Mix egg with 1 tablespoon water and brush buns lightly. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons sugar. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes.