Cardamom Bread

I was really hoping this would be an exciting bread. It sounded interesting a looked amazing when it came out of the oven, but honestly- I found it bland.

1 tbsp water

½ cup milk

2 tbsp butter (room temperature)

1 egg (room temperature)

2¼ cup bread flour

¼ tsp salt

2 tbsp sugar

½ tsp ground cardamom

1½ tsp yeast

1. Combine the yeast, 1 cup flour, salt, sugar, and cardamom.
2. Combine water and milk and heat to 120º to 130º F.
3. In a standing mixer with the paddle attachment, combine dry mixture, liquid ingredients, and butter in mixing bowl for 4 minutes on medium speed.
4. Add egg and beat for 1 minute.
5. Gradually add remaining flour and knead with dough hook until smooth and elastic (about 5-7 minutes).
6. Place the dough in lightly oiled bowl and turn to grease top.
7. Cover; let rise for an hour.
8. Turn dough onto lightly floured surface; punch down to remove air bubbles.
9. Divide dough into 3 parts.
10. Roll each piece into a 16-inch rope; line up ropes one inch apart on a greased cookie sheet.
11.  Braid loosely; pinch ends together and tuck under.
12. Cover; let rise until indentation remains when touched.
13. Brush with milk and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon sugar.
14. Bake in preheated 375º F oven 20 to 25 minutes.