Sweet Almond Bread

Name: Sweet Almond Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2 loaves.
Ingredients: DOUGH:; 2/3 cup warm milk (70&deg to 80&deg); 1 egg yolk; 1/4 cup butter, softened; 1/4 cup applesauce, room temperature; 1/3 cup sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2-3/4 cups bread flour; 2-1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast; TOPPING:; 1/4 cup butter, cubed; 3 tablespoons sugar; 1 tablespoon milk; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 6 tablespoons sliced almonds

The crunchy toasted almonds and sweet cinnamony topping on these round loaves make them look and taste terrific. "My niece shared this recipe with me a few years ago, and I adapted it to use the dough setting on my bread machine," notes Sally Ball of Gladwin, Michigan. "It's delicious as a breakfast bread or served warm with ice cream."

Ingredients

DOUGH:
2/3 cup warm milk (70° to 80°)
1 egg yolk
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup applesauce, room temperature
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2-3/4 cups bread flour
2-1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
TOPPING:
1/4 cup butter, cubed
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons sliced almonds

Directions

In bread machine pan, place dough ingredients in order suggested by manufacturer. Select dough setting (check dough after 5 minutes of mixing; add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water or flour if needed). When cycle is completed, turn dough onto a floured surface and punch down. Divide dough in half. Roll each portion into a 6-in. circle and place on greased baking sheets. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, for topping, combine butter, sugar, milk, cinnamon and salt in a small saucepan. Cook and stir over low heat until butter is melted. Simmer for 1 minute. Remove from the heat; cool for 5 minutes. Make a 1/4-in. depression in the center of each loaf with the tip of a wooden spoon. Brush with butter mixture and sprinkle with almonds. Bake at 375° for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for 10 minutes. Serve warm.