Apricot-Almond Tea Rings

• 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup warm water (110u0b0 to 115u0b0)
• 1-1/4 cups warm 2% milk (110u0b0 to 115u0b0)
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup mashed potato flakes
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 3-1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2 cups apricot preserves
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 5 ounces almond paste
• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 1-1/3 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 to 3 tablespoons 2% milk
• 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted

1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. In another bowl, combine milk, butter, sugar, salt, potato flakes and eggs. Let stand 1 minute. Add milk mixture and 3 cups flour to yeast mixture; beat until smooth. Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
2. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
3. Place preserves, sugar, almond paste and butter in a food processor; cover and process until blended. Punch dough down. Divide in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into 14x7-in. rectangle. Spread filling evenly to within 1/2 in. of edges. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a long side; pinch seams to seal.
4. Place rolls, seam side down, on 2 parchment-lined
5. . Pinch ends together to form 2 rings. With scissors, cut from outside edge to two-thirds of the way toward center of rings at 1-in. intervals. Separate strips slightly; twist to allow filling to show. Let rise until doubled,35-40 minutes.
6. Preheat oven to 375u0b0. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool. Combine confectioners' sugar, vanilla and enough milk to reach a drizzling consistency. Drizzle over warm tea rings and sprinkle with almonds.

active dry yeast, warm water, milk, butter, sugar, salt, eggs, allpurpose, apricot preserves, sugar, almond paste, butter, sugar, vanilla, milk, almonds

Taken from www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/apricot-almond-tea-rings/ (may not work)