Butter Rings

Name: Butter Rings
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 3 coffee cakes.
Ingredients: 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast; 3 tablespoons sugar, divided; 1/4 cup warm milk (110° to 115°); 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup butter; 3 large egg yolks; 1 cup half-and-half cream, heated to lukewarm; Chopped nuts for garnish; ICING:; 1 cup confectioners' sugar; 1 tablespoon milk; 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mother used to make this coffee cake for special occasions. She clipped it from a newspaper more than 55 years ago; it's still a treasured recipe.

Ingredients

1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
3 tablespoons sugar, divided
1/4 cup warm milk (110° to 115°)
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter
3 large egg yolks
1 cup half-and-half cream, heated to lukewarm
Chopped nuts for garnish
ICING:
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Dissolve yeast and 2 teaspoons sugar in milk; set aside. Combine flour, salt and remaining sugar. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Beat the egg yolks into the cream; add to the flour mixture along with the yeast mixture. Blend well and form into a ball. Place dough in a greased bowl; cover and refrigerate overnight.
Punch dough down; place on a lightly floured surface and divide into six balls. Using hands, roll each ball into a 24-in. rope. On a greased baking sheet, twist two ropes together, then shape into a 6- to 8-in. ring. Pinch ends together and sprinkle with nuts. Repeat with remaining two rings. Cover and let rise until almost doubled, about 30 minutes.
Bake at 350° for 25 minutes. Bake at 350° for about 25 minutes or until golden brown. Place on wire racks. Combine icing ingredients; drizzle over warm rings.