Almond Filled Braid Recipe

Directions:

1. Spray board or counter with non-stick cooking spray. Roll loaf or combined rolls into a 12X16-inch rectangle. With a clean ruler, gently mark a 4-inch strip lengthwise down the center. Then mark dough into 1 1/2-inch strips horizontally. Combine 3 tablespoons sugar and the cinnamon. Sprinkle mixture evenly over dough. Combine the almonds, butter, almond extract and remaining sugar. Spread mixture lenghtwise down the center of the dough. Make cuts on marked lines from edge to within 1-inch of filling. Begin braid by folding top and bottom strips toward filling. Then braid strips left over right, right over left. Finish by pulling last strip over and tucking under. Lift braid with both hands and place on a large sprayed baking sheet. Cover with sprayed plastic wrap and let rise 20-30 minutes. Remove wrap and bake at 350 degrees F 25-30 minutes. Combine all glaze ingredients and mix well. Using a pastry brush, brush entire braid with glaze and sprinkle with slivered almonds, if desired.