 |
Prep Time: 35 Minutes Cook Time: 20 Minutes |
Ready In: 55 Minutes Servings: 36 |
|
Dotted with dried apricots and maraschino cherries, this tender coffee cake has a festive flavor and look. I love to serve it at Christmastime for my family, fellow teachers and students. It makes a welcome holiday gift, too. -Linda Hollingsworth, Quitman, Mississippi Ingredients:
2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast |
1/2 cup warm water (110° to 115°) |
2 cups warm sour cream (110° to 115°) |
6 tablespoons butter, divided |
1/3 cup sugar |
2 eggs |
2 teaspoons salt |
5-3/4 to 6-1/4 cups king arthur unbleached all-purpose flour |
1-1/2 cups finely chopped dried apricots |
1-1/2 cups finely chopped maraschino cherries |
2 cups confectioners' sugar |
2 tablespoons cold water |
additional cherries, halved |
Directions:
1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Beat in the sour cream, 4 tablespoons butter, sugar, eggs, salt and 2 cups flour; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. 2. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. 3. Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into thirds. Roll each portion into a 14-in. x 7-in. rectangle on a greased baking sheet. 4. Combine apricots and cherries; spoon down the center of each rectangle. On each long side, cut 3/4-in.-wide strips about 2 in. into center. Starting at one end, fold alternating strips at an angle across filling. Pinch ends to seal. Curve top. 5. Bake at 375° for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Melt remaining butter; brush over warm coffee cakes. Combine confectioners' sugar and cold water until smooth; drizzle over the tops. Garnish with additional cherries. Yield: 3 loaves (12 slices each). |
|