Russian Krendl Bread

• 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 3/4 cup warm half-and-half cream or whole milk (110u0b0 to 115u0b0)
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2-3/4 to 3-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup apple juice
• 1 large apple, peeled and chopped
• 2/3 cup finely chopped dried apples
• 1/3 cup finely chopped dried apricots
• 1/3 cup chopped pitted dried plums
• 5 tablespoons butter, divided
• 4 tablespoons sugar, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Confectioners' sugar

1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm cream. In a large bowl, combine softened butter, egg yolks, vanilla, salt, yeast mixture and 1-1/2 cups flour; beat on medium speed until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky).
2. Turn dough 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 with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
3. For filling, in a large saucepan, combine juice, apple, dried fruits, 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons sugar. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 25-30 minutes or until mixture reaches a jam-like consistency, stirring occasionally. Transfer to a bowl; cool completely.
4. Punch down dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; roll into a 32x10-in. rectangle. Melt remaining butter; brush over dough to within 1 in. of edges. Mix cinnamon and remaining sugar; sprinkle over top. Spread with fruit mixture. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a long side; pinch seam and ends to seal.
5. Place on a greased
6. , seam side down; form into a pretzel shape. Cover with a kitchen towel; let rise in a warm place until almost doubled, about 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350u0b0.
7. Bake 40-45 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool. Dust with confectioners' sugar before serving.

active dry yeast, sugar, warm half, butter, egg yolks, vanilla, salt, flour, apple juice, apple, dried apples, apricots, butter, sugar, ground cinnamon, confectioners

Taken from www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/russian-krendl-bread/ (may not work)