Ingredients
1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast3 tablespoons sugar3/4 cup warm half-and-half cream or whole milk (110° to 115°)1/4 cup butter, softened2 large egg yolks1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract1/2 teaspoon salt2-3/4 to 3-1/4 cups all-purpose flourFILLING:1 cup apple juice1 large apple, peeled and chopped2/3 cup finely chopped dried apples1/3 cup finely chopped dried apricots1/3 cup chopped pitted dried plums (prunes)5 tablespoons butter, divided 4 tablespoons sugar, divided1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamonConfectioners’ sugar
Preparation
In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm cream. In a large bowl, combine softened butter, egg yolks, vanilla, salt, yeast mixture and 1-1/2 cups flour; beat on medium speed until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky).
Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
For filling, in a large saucepan, combine juice, apple, dried fruits, 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons sugar. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 25-30 minutes or until mixture reaches a jam-like consistency, stirring occasionally. Transfer to a bowl; cool completely.
Punch down dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; roll into a 32x10-in. rectangle. Melt remaining butter; brush over dough to within 1 in. of edges. Mix cinnamon and remaining sugar; sprinkle over top. Spread with fruit mixture. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a long side; pinch seam and ends to seal.
Place on a greased baking sheet, seam side down; form into a pretzel shape. Cover with a kitchen towel; let rise in a warm place until almost doubled, about 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°.
Bake 40-45 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
