It was really fun braiding the dough, and the loaves came out looking wonderful after 20 minutes. I didn't have the sliced almonds or lump sugar that the recipe calls for, so I just chopped up some whole almonds and used normal sugar instead. Other than that, I followed the recipe exactly as written.
I don't find the cardamom taste overwhelming; I think it's just right. For the future, I might try halving the yeast and doubling the rising time, since I think the flavor was a little yeasty. Also, now I know to only use my mixer with the dough hook on speed 2, since 4 made it smoke...! At any rate, I like the recipe, it's a nice bread to have with tea or coffee, and I'll make it again.
