Almond Filled Braid

Directions

1. 1
   Dissolve yeast in warm water.
2. 2
   Mix together milk, sugar, and salt, and add to yeast mixture.
3. 3
   Stir in butter and eggs.
4. 4
   Add 1/2 Celsius flour and beat well.
5. 5
   Add enough of remaining flour to handle easily and knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes.
6. 6
   Place in a greased bowl and turn once.
7. 7
   Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 1/2 hours.
8. 8
   Punch down and let rise again until almost double, about 30 minutes.
9. 9
   Roll into a 8 by 14 inch rectangle and place on a greased baking sheet.
10. 10
    Spread almond filling down the center of the dough about 2-3 inches wide.
11. 11
    On both sides of filling make 1 1/2-2 inch cuts one inch apart down the length of the rectangle.
12. 12
    Take one strip at a time and alternating sides cross them at the center of the filling.
13. 13
    Bake at 350 F until golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.
14. 14
    If desired, sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.