MARTHA WASHINGTON'S FAN

Martha Washington's Fan image

Easter morning would not be the same at our house without this bread. The impressive loaves also make nice Christmas gifts.-Susan Peck, Springfield, Missouri

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h

Yield 3 loaves (10 slices each)

Number Of Ingredients 16

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Ingredients

6 to 7 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons nonfat dry milk powder
2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
1-1/4 teaspoons salt
2/3 cup butter, softened
1-1/4 cups warm water (120° to 130°)
3 large eggs
FILLING:
6 tablespoons butter, melted, divided
1-1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
ICING:
1 cup confectioners' sugar
2 to 3 tablespoons milk

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, sugar, dry milk, yeast and salt. Add butter and water; beat on low for 2 minutes. Add eggs; beat on high for 2 minutes. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. , Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl; turn once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. , Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into thirds. Roll one portion into a 20x6-in. rectangle, with a short side facing you. Brush top two-thirds of dough with 1 tablespoon melted butter. In a bowl, combine the coconut, pecans and brown sugar; blend in 3 tablespoons butter. Sprinkle a third of the mixture over buttered portion of dough. Starting at the plain short side, fold dough over half of filling; fold over again. Pinch edges and end to seal., Place on a greased baking sheet with folded edge facing away from you. With scissors, cut into eight strips to within 1 in. from folded edge. Separate strips slightly; twist to allow filling to show. Pinch ends into points. Repeat with remaining dough and filling to make two more fans. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes. , Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool. Combine icing ingredients; drizzle over fans.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 250 calories, Fat 12g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 39mg cholesterol, Sodium 186mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (13g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.