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Danish Kringle

Servings: Makes 2 oval-shaped kringles
Comments:
The Danish Kringle is made in every bakery in Denmark. You will find it shaped round, oval, or in a long strip. It is often filled with nuts, cream cheese, or fruit, such as apples or raspberries. The Kringle is always a favorite in Danish homes, and is a very traditional Danish pastry served to guests who come to visit. Cut the Kringle into slices, and serve with coffee or tea.


Ingredients:
For Pastry:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp. granulated sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup cold butter or margarine
1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (110 to 115 degrees F/43 to 46 degrees C)
1/2 cup warm milk (110 to 115 degrees F/43 to 46 degrees C)
1 egg, beaten

For Filling:
1 1/2 cups finely chopped pecans or walnuts
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened

For Glaze:
1 cup confectioners' sugar
4 tsp. water
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 tbsp. chopped pecans or walnuts


Instructions:
Combine flour, sugar and salt in a large bowl, cut in butter until mixture resembles fine crumbs.

Dissolve yeast in warm water; stir into flour mixture with warm milk and egg. Beat until smooth (dough will be very soft). Cover and chill at least 2 hours, but not more than 24 hours.

Punch dough down. Divide dough in half; return one half to refrigerator. On a well floured board, roll dough into a 15 x 10-inch rectangle.

Combine filling ingredients. Spread half of the filling down center of rectangle in a 2-inch strip. Fold sides of dough over filling, overlapping 1 1/2 inches; pinch edges to seal. Shape into an oval; pinch ends together. Place seam side down on a greased 15 x 10 x 2-inch baking pan.

Repeat with remaining dough and filling.

Cover and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes. Bake at 375 degrees F (190 C) for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for 15 minutes.

For Glaze:
Combine confectioners's sugar; water and vanilla, spread over kringles. Sprinkle with nuts.

Note:
If you like, you can add fruit, such as apple, cherries, raspberries, etc. to the filling, or even almond paste or semi-sweet chocolate would be nice. If you make the filling with fruit, leave out the nuts in the filling.

Makes 2 oval-shaped kringles.


Source: DianasDesserts.com
Date: February 10, 2002-Recipe re-written Aug. 26 2003