Almond Twirl Bread

Directions

1. 1
   In a large mixing bowl combine 2 cups of the flour and the yeast.
2. 2
   In a small saucepan heat and stir milk, sugar, margarine or butter, and salt just until warm (120 degree F to 130 degree F) and margarine almost melts.
3. 3
   Add to dry mixture in mixing bowl; add eggs.
4. 4
   Beat with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds, scraping the side of the bowl constantly.
5. 5
   Beat on high speed for 3 minutes.
6. 6
   Using a wooden spoon, stir in as much of the remaining flour as you can.
7. 7
   Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
8. 8
   Knead in enough of the remaining flour to make a moderately soft dough that is smooth and elastic (3 to 5 minutes total).
9. 9
   Shape dough into a ball.
10. 10
    Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning once to grease surface of dough.
11. 11
    Cover; let rise in a warm place until double in size (about 1 hour).
12. 12
    Punch dough down.
13. 13
    Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
14. 14
    Cover; let rest 10 minutes.
15. 15
    Meanwhile, lightly grease a large baking sheet.
16. 16
    In a small mixing bowl beat sugar and margarine or butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until well combined.
17. 17
    Stir in ground almonds.
18. 18
    Roll dough to an 18x12-inch rectangle.
19. 19
    Sprinkle with Almond Filling.
20. 20
    Roll up, jelly-roll style, starting from a long side.
21. 21
    Seal seam.
22. 22
    Place seam side down, on prepared baking sheet.
23. 23
    Shape into a ring; press ends together to seal.
24. 24
    Using kitchen scissors, snip at 1-inch intervals, making each cut two-thirds of the way to center.
25. 25
    Gently turn each section slightly to a side.
26. 26
    Cover and let rise in warm place until nearly double in size (about 30 minutes).
27. 27
    Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until bread sounds hollow when lightly tapped.
28. 28
    Transfer to a wire rack and let cool.
29. 29
    For icing, in a small bowl combine the powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough of the 1 to 2 teaspoons milk to make of drizzling consistency.
30. 30
    Drizzle over bread.
31. 31
    Top with sliced almonds.