FESTIVE FRUIT LADDER

Festive Fruit Ladder image

'Festive' is the perfect word used to describe this Christmastime confection from Catherine Emerson of Arlington, Washington. "I am going to try it next with apricots and cinnamon or some of my home canned plums!"

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h10m

Yield 1 loaf (24 slices).

Number Of Ingredients 22

Ingredients

1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1 cup warm fat-free milk (110° to 115°)
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1large egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
3-1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
FILLING:
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons cornstarch
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2/3 cup apple cider or unsweetened apple juice
4 cups thinly sliced peeled tart apples
2/3 cup dried cranberries
1 large egg
1 tablespoon water
ICING:
1 cup confectioners' sugar
4 teaspoons water
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 cup dried cranberries
2 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted

Steps:

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk. Add the sugar, butter, egg, salt and 3 cups flour. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough., Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turning once to coat the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes., In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon and cider. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1 minute or until thickened. Stir in apples; cook 5-10 minutes longer or until crisp-tender. Remove from the heat; stir in cranberries. Cool to room temperature., Punch dough down; roll into a 15x12-in. rectangle. Place on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Spread filling lengthwise down center of dough. On each long side, cut 1-in.-wide strips 3 in. into center. Fold strips at an angle across filling; seal ends. Cover and let rise until doubled., Beat egg and water; brush over dough. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Combine confectioners' sugar, water and extract; drizzle over loaf. Sprinkle with cranberries and almonds.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 172 calories, Fat 2g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 20mg cholesterol, Sodium 71mg sodium, Carbohydrate 36g carbohydrate (20g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein.