Prep. time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 3 hours
Baking time: About 30 minutes

1. Prepare the ingredients for the dough in the kitchen the previous evening. If they are cold the dough will take too long to rise.
2. Heat the milk to hand temperature.
3. Beat the eggs and sugar, add the milk, yeast, salt and cardamom. If you are using oil, add it now.
4. Add enough of the flour to make a thick, elastic mixture. Beat it vigorously to get air into the dough. This will develop the dough's gluten and help it rise well.
5. Mix in the remaining flour and finally the butter or margarine. Knead the dough until it no longer sticks to your hands or the sides of the bowl. Add the raisins just before shaping the ring.
6. If you make the dough with an electric dough mixer, follow the instructions specific to the mixer.
7. Cover the dough with a cloth and leave to rise in a warm place. When the dough has doubled in bulk, place on a lightly floured surface and knead well. Add the raisins.
8. Form the ring by braiding together three or four strands of dough, or for an easier version, form into two or three separate curved sections and place on a baking tray.
9. Cover again and let the bread rise until doubled in volume.
10. Bake in a preheated 200° C (400° F) oven until golden brown, about 30 minutes.