Mardi Gras King Cake

I made this recipe for the first time and I was very pleased with the results.  There are many King Cake recipes on the internet, but this one enticed me the most with the almond filling.  I love anything almond, and this did not disappoint.  I found some trinkets at the dollar store and inserted one in each cake.  I rate this 5/5.

Ingredients

• 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast

• 1/2 cup warm water (110° to 115°)

• 1/2 cup warm milk (110° to 115°)

• 1/3 cup shortening

• 1/3 cup sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 egg

• 4 to 4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 cans (12-1/2 ounces each) almond cake and pastry filling

• GLAZE:

• 3 cups confectioners' sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 3 to 4 tablespoons water

• Purple, green and gold colored sugar Directions

1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the milk, shortening, sugar, salt, egg and 2 cups flour. Beat on medium speed for 3 minutes. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky).
2. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
3. Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Roll one portion into a 16-in. x 10-in. rectangle. Spread almond filling to within 1/2 in. of edges. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a long side; pinch seam to seal. Place seam side down on a greased baking sheet; pinch ends together to form a ring. Repeat with remaining dough and filling. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
4. Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. For glaze, combine the confectioners' sugar, vanilla and enough water to achieve desired consistency. Spread over cooled cakes. Sprinkle with colored sugars.Yield: 2 cakes (12 servings each).

Original recipe found at Taste of Home

Tres bien!

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