Cranberry Almond Holiday Wreath Bread

This bread makes a beautiful presentation. Great for a holiday brunch. I love to make bread and this is one of my favorites. The thing that makes it especially special is the way you cut and wrap the rolls. Very impressive. Prep time includes about 2 1/2 hours rising time.

Steps

Sprinkle yeast over warm water in a large bowl.

Stir briefly.

Let stand until foamy.

Stir in milk , sugar , butter , salt , cardamom , eggs , and lemon peel.

Using electric mixer or a heavy spoon , add 2 cups of the flour , 1 cup at a time , beating well after addition.

Then eat on medium speed for 3 minutes.

Add 1 1 / 4 cups more flour.

Beat until combined.

Scrape dough out onto a lightly floured board and knead until smooth adding more flour as needed to prevent sticking.

Place in a greased bowl.

Turn over to grease top.

Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled.

Meanwhile , prepare filling.

In a medium-size bowl , combine butter , flour and sugar.

Beat until smooth.

Stir in almonds , dried cranberries , lemon peep , and almond extract.

Cover and refrigerate.

Punch doubled dough down and knead briefly on a lightly floured board to release ari.

Roll into a 9- by 30-inch rectangle.

Crumble filling dough to within 1 inch of edges.

Begin.

Ingredients

active dry yeast, water, milk, sugar, butter, salt, ground cardamom, eggs, lemon, rind of, all-purpose flour, slivered almonds, dried cranberries, almond extract, powdered sugar, lemon juice