Portuguese Sweet Bread

 6-6 1/2 c flour

1 cup sugar

1 tsp salt

1/4 tsp cardamon

2 pkgs yeast - dissolved year in water

1 cup milk

1/4 water

1/2 c butter

3eggs

1/2 tsp vanilla

Topping: 1/4 c sugar 1/3 c flour, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, 2 T butter

Combine 2 c flour, 1 c sugar, salt, cardamom, and yeast. In small saucepan heat milk, water and butter until very warm (120-130 degrees). Add warm liquid, eggs, vanilla to the flour mixture. Add 3 more cups flour to stiff dough. On floured board knead in 1 - 1 1/2 c flour until smooth and elastic. Place in greased bowl; cover loosely with plastic wrap and towel. Let rise to double. Punch down. Let rest 15 minutes. Divide in half. 2 loaves. Let rise to double. Sprinkle topping on top and bake 350 for 35-45 minutes.