Pineapple Tea Rings

Directions

• In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the milk, sugar, shortening, eggs, salt and 4-1/2 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a stiff dough.
• Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 5-6 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
• Meanwhile, combine brown sugar and cinnamon; set aside. In a small saucepan, combine the pineapple, sugar and cornstarch. Cook, uncovered, over medium heat until thickened. Stir in raisins; cool.
• Punch dough down; turn onto a lightly floured surface. Divide in half. Roll one portion into a 20x12-in. rectangle. Brush with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Spread with 1 cup filling to within 1-in. of edges. Sprinkle with 3 tablespoons brown sugar mixture. 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.
• With scissors, cut from outside edge to two-thirds of the way toward center of ring at 1-in. intervals. Separate strips slightly, alternating strips towards the inside and outside of the ring. Twist to allow filling to show.
• Repeat with remaining dough, melted butter and filling. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
• Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool.
• Combine the confectioners' sugar, butter, milk and vanilla; beat until smooth. Drizzle over tea rings. Decorate with cherries and nuts.