Swedish Tea Ring (Vetekrans)
2 packages active dry yeast
1 C warm water, 105 degrees F to 115 degrees F
1/2 C melted butter
1/2 C sugar
3 slightly beaten eggs
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cardamom
4 to 4 1/2 C all-purpose flour
1/2 C softened butter
1/2 C sugar
1 T ground cinnamon
1 C blanched almonds, finely chopped (optional)
Glaze:
1 C powdered sugar
2 T hot coffee or milk
1/2 tsp almond extract
In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water and let stand 5 minutes. Stir in the 1/2 cup melted butter, 1/2 cup sugar, the eggs, salt, cardamom, and 4 cups flour until dough is smooth. Cover and refrigerate 2 to 24 hours.
Turn dough onto a floured board and roll out to make a 20 - 24 inch square. Spread with a thin layer of softened butter right to the edge. Mix 1/2 cup sugar and the cinnamon and sprinkle over the butter. Sprinkle the almonds over the cinnamon sugar. Roll up as for a jelly roll.
Grease a baking sheet and place the roll on the sheet, shaping it into a ring. Pinch ends together to close the circle. With scissors, cut almost through the ring at 1/2 inch intervals. Turn each piece so that the cut side is exposed. Let rise until almost doubled
SOURCE: The Great Scandinavian Baking Book
