Recipe: Apricot Tea Rings (with dried apricot puree filling)

APRICOT TEA RINGS

FOR THE BREAD DOUGH:
2 packages dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (110 to 115 degrees F)
1/2 cup hot milk
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup margarine
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups flour, divided use (approximately)
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1/8 teaspoon mace
2 eggs
FOR THE APRICOT FILLING:
1 1/4 cups cut-up dried apricots
water
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon salt
FOR THE GLAZE:
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk or water
1 teaspoon butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons toasted almonds for garnish (optional)

TO PREPARE THE DOUGH:
Dissolve yeast in warm water. Set aside.

In mixing bowl, combine hot milk, sugar, margarine and salt. Add yeast and 1 cup flour. Beat until smooth. Add lemon zest, mace and eggs. Mix together. Gradually add enough flour to make soft dough. Knead for 5 minutes.

Place in greased bowl. Cover. Let rise until double.

TO PREPARE THE FILLING:
Meanwhile, over medium heat, cook apricots with water to cover for 20 minutes. Remove from heat. Process in food processor until smooth.

In small saucepan, combine apricot puree, sugar, cinnamon, zest, lemon juice and salt. Cook until mixture thickens. Cool.

TO ASSEMBLE:
Divide dough in 2 parts. Roll each part into 7- by 22-inch rectangle. Spread filling to within 1 inch of sealing edge of each rectangle. Roll up and seal each rectangle.

Place each on greased baking sheet in ring, seam side down. Using scissors, make cuts straight down to within 1/2 to 3/4 inch of pan.

Cover dough and let rise until light.

WHEN READY TO BAKE:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Cool.

TO GLAZE AND GARNISH:
Blend powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon milk or water, 1 tablespoon butter and vanilla.

Drizzle glaze over cooled rings. Garnish with almonds, if desired.

Note from source: Because her family likes apricots, Janas bakes 15 to 20 of these tea rings during the holidays and gives them as gifts. Practice does make perfect: The tea ring has earned her several ribbons.

Makes 2 tea rings, 12 to 15 servings each
From: Elaine Janas
Source: Saint Paul Pioneer Press, September 7, 2001