CHERRY ALMOND BRAID

Cherry Almond Braid image

If you want to impress guests with homemade bread but are short on time, reach for this recipe.-Darcy Hebert, Argyle, Minnesota

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 45m

Yield 8-10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1/3 cup chopped maraschino cherries
2 packages (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent rolls
GLAZE:
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 to 2 tablespoons milk
Additional slivered almonds and maraschino cherries

Steps:

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in extract. Fold in almonds and cherries; set aside. , Unroll crescent rolls on an ungreased baking sheet; overlap long sides to make at 12-in. square. Press perforations to seal. Spread the cream cheese mixture down center third of square to within 1 in. of top and bottom; fold top and bottom edge over filling. Bring long sides over filling and overlap. Pinch seam to seal., Bake at 375° for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely on a wire rack. , Combine the confectioners' sugar, butter and enough milk to reach desired consistency; drizzle over top of loaf. Garnish with almonds and cherries.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 274 calories, Fat 15g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 28mg cholesterol, Sodium 262mg sodium, Carbohydrate 30g carbohydrate (20g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 4g protein.