This sweet cardamom bread is aromatic and flavoured with honey, topped with a citrusy whipped honey orange butter for a decadent treat inspired by the ancient Norse realm of Asgard .
An Ancient Norse Mythology Feast
Embark on an epic culinary adventure as we prepare a decadent feast inspired by Asgard, one of the Nine Realms of Ancient Norse mythology, and the gods that inhabit it. Travelling up the winding branches of Yggdrasil, the mighty world tree, we arrive at the mystical realm of Asgard.
Our culinary journey takes us to the celestial realm of Asgard, home to the mighty sky gods, the Aesir. In the spirit of community and kinship, we set out to honour the Aesir deities by preparing offerings in their names. Our feast includes offerings for the mighty Thor and honours the delights of Idunn’s sacred gardens. Together, let us raise a horn with the fallen warriors in Odin’s hall!
Sif, Golden-Haired Wife of Thor
Not much is known about the goddess Sif, wife of Thor and mother of Thrud. Famed for her long, golden locks, Sif is personified in the wheat and grain that grow in the fields. Her shining hair was so coveted that the trickster Loki once conspired to steal it. After facing the wrath of Thor, the god of thunder, Loki made amends by gifting Sif with a magnificent replacement – brilliant locks fashioned from thin strands of pure gold.
The free-handed Lord gave,
The heroes accepted,
Sif’s firm-grown tresses,
Ice of the bow-force,
Otter-gild unwilling,
Weeping of Mardöll.-Skaldskaparmal, The Prose Edda by Snorri Sturluson
What better offering to the golden-haired lady than a honey-yellow bread shaped into a braid to represent long sheafs of wheat. Sweetened with honey and aromatic cardamom, this braided bread is topped with a citrusy whipped honey butter for a decadent treat.
Ingredients
Cardamom: Ground cardamom adds a subtle aroma to this sweet bread.
Flour: This recipe uses all-purpose flour.
Yeast: This recipe uses traditional active dry yeast.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness to this bread. You can substitute with sugar if you prefer.
how to Make Sweet Cardamom Bread with Honey Orange Butter
Activate the yeast
Heat the water to between 105°F and 115°F. Add the sugar and yeast. Stir briefly and then set aside for the yeast to activate. When the yeast is bubbly and risen, after about 5 minutes, proceed with the recipe.
Make the dough
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the warm milk and honey, stirring to dissolve the honey. Add the melted butter, eggs and the yeast mixture and stir together. Add the flour, cardamom, and salt to the mixer.
Mix, using the dough hook, until the dough starts to come together. Scrape down the sides occasionally to encourage the dough to come together. If the dough is too sticky and sticks to the side without forming a ball, then add more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
Continue mixing with a dough hook on low speed for about 5 minutes until the dough is soft and stretchy. After mixing, take the dough out and lightly knead a couple of times on the counter to bring it together into a smooth ball.
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl. Rub a little oil on top of the dough. Cover with cling film or a tea towel and then set in a warm place to rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until double in size.
Shape the bread
After the dough has risen, punch it down to deflate completely. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured counter. Divide the dough in half and set one aside.
Divide one half of the dough into three equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope. You may find it easier to do this in stages. Begin by rolling each piece into a thick rope then set aside and work on the other pieces. Go back to the first piece and roll it out longer until the rope is about an inch in diameter. Roll each end of the ropes into very tapered ends.
Pinch together the three ropes by one of their tapered ends and tuck under. Begin to braid the three stands together. Pinch together the tapered ends when you reach the end and tuck under the braid. Transfer the braid to a parchment lined baking sheet. Repeat with the second half of the dough.
Second rising
Cover the braids with tea towels and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
Bake the bread
While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare an egg wash by beating together 1 egg and a splash of water. Use a pastry brush to brush the egg wash over each braid. The egg wash will give a shiny, golden crust.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until a deep golden brown. Take the bread out after 15 minutes to brush the white parts of the braid with the egg wash – the centre of the braid will expand with baking and be pale in colour.
The bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Transfer the bread to a cooling rack and let cool before cutting.
Make the whipped butter
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, honey, and orange zest. Whip with a beater for 2 to 3 minutes until light and fluffy in texture. Serve immediately. Store the whipped butter in the fridge if you’re making it ahead of time. Allow it to come to room temperature to serve.
Serve the Sweet Cardamom Bread with Honey Orange Butter
Slice the bread and serve with the whipped honey orange butter. Enjoy!
