Swedish Tea Ring

Directions

1. 1
   Soften yeast in water.
2. 2
   Add sugar, salt, shortening, and egg.
3. 3
   Add flour slowly, beating thoroughly after each addition until dough is just stiff enough to knead.
4. 4
   Turn onto lightly floured board and knead until smooth and elastic.
5. 5
   (This dough should be slightly softer than a bread dough)
6. 6
   Place in a bowl, cover with a warm, damp cloth, set in a warm place and allow to double in bulk.
7. 7
   Work down lightly.
8. 8
   Cover and allow to double in bulk the second time.
9. 9
   Turn onto lightly floured board and roll in sheet 1 1/2 inches thick.
10. 10
    Spread with melted butter or butter substitute and sprinkle generously with sugar and cinnamon, and roll as a jelly roll.
11. 11
    Pinch the edges together and join ends to form a ring.
12. 12
    Place in an oiled pan or on an oiled baking sheet.
13. 13
    Cut the dough with the scissors in 3-inch pieces, cutting 3/4 through the ring.
14. 14
    Turn each section so that it lies flat on the baking sheet.
15. 15
    Sprinkle with sugar and chopped nuts.
16. 16
    Cover with a warm, damp cloth and let rise until triple in bulk.
17. 17
    Bake in hot oven (425 degrees F) about 30 minutes.
18. 18
    If desired 1/2 cup raisins may be added to the dough.