In a large mixer bowl combine 2.5 cups all-purpose flour, yeast, and cardamom. In a saucepan heat milk, sugar, butter, and salt just till warm (115F) and the butter is almost melted; stir constantly. Add heated milk mixture to flour mixture; add 1 egg. Beat at low speed of electric mixer for half minute. Beat 3 minutes at high speed, scraping sides of bowl constantly. Stir in 1 chopped mixed candied fruits and peels (optional), raisins, and as much of the 2.5 cups all-purpose flour as you can mix in with a spoon. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead in enough of the remaining all-purpose flour to make a moderately stiff dough that is smooth and elastic (6 to 8 minutes total). Shape dough into a ball. Place in a lightly greased bowl; turn once to grease surface. Cover, let rise in a warm place till double (about 1.5 hours). Punch dough down; divide dough in half.

Cover; let rest 10 minutes. Shape into 2 round loaves; place on greased baking sheets. Flatten each slightly to a 15 cm diameter. Cover; let rise till nearly double (45 to 60 minutes). Stir together 1 slightly beaten egg yolk and 2 tablespoons water, brush over loaves. Bake in a 180ºC oven for 35 minutes or till done. Cool on a wire rack. Makes 2 round loaves.