ALMOND-FILLED BREAD

Steps:

• In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 tsp sugar in warm milk.
• Let stand 5-10 minutes or until foamy.
• Stir remaining sugar, butter or margarine, salt and egg into yeast mixture until blended.
• Stir in 2 cups flour until combined.
• Stir in enough remaining flour to make a soft dough that comes away from side of bowl.
• On a lightly floured surface, knead in enough remaining flour to make a stiff dough.
• Knead 8-10 minutes or until smooth and elastic.
• Clean and grease bowl.
• Place dough in greased bowl, turning to coat all sides.
• Cover with a lightly damp towel.
• Let rise in a warm place, free from drafts, until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.
• To make filling, in a small bowl, blend ground almonds and sugar.
• Stir in egg white, milk and almond extract until thoroughly blended.
• Set aside.
• Grease a 9" x 5" loaf pan.
• Punch down dough.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to a 12" x 9" rectangle.
• Spread almond mixture over dough to within 1/2 inch of edge.
• Sprinkle chopped cherries and raisins over almond mixture.
• Roll, jelly-roll style, starting at 1 short end.
• Pinch ends to seal.
• Place filled loaf, seam-side down, in greased pan.
• Cover with a dry towel; let rise until doubled in bulk.
• Preheat oven to 375degrees.
• Beat egg with milk to make glaze.
• Brush top of loaf with egg-yolk glaze.
• Bake in preheated oven 35-40 minutes or until top is deep golden brown and loaf sounds hollow when tapped on bottom.
• Remove from pan; cool on a wire rack.
• To make icing, in a small bowl, stir powdered sugar and 1 tbsp water until smooth, adding more water if necessary.
• Spoon icing on top of loaf; decorate loaf with toasted almonds and cherry quarters.
• Let stand until icing is set.