TheBanyanTree: And For Dessert: Orange-Glazed Coffee Cake

[B Drummond]

A steaming cup of Java, this yeasty, orange enhanced, fresh-outta- the-oven 
coffee cake and a good book.   It don't get no better'n this, especially when 
your mood is right and the author can keep you captivated with every page. 


Ingredients:

1 package of active dry yeast

1/4 cup warm water (105-115 deg F)

1/2 cup warm milk (same temp as above)

1/2 cup fresh orange juice

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup ricotta cheese

1 T  grated orange zest (orange peel)

1/2 t   salt

1 large egg, lightly beaten

3 1/2-4 cups all-purpose flour


    Glaze -  1 large egg, lightly beaten

    Icing -  1 cup confectioners sugar & 1 1/2 -2 T fresh orange juice


Preparation:

In large bowl dissolve yeast in warm water.  Let stand until foamy (typically 
5 to 10  minutes)

Stir warm milk, orange juice, ricotta cheese, orange zest, salt and egg into 
yeast mixture.

Mix in 2 cups flour into yeast mixture until wet dough forms.  Mix in 
remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until a stiff dough is formed  (note: 
this will be easier if heavy duty electric fitted with paddle attachment is 
used to mix the ingredients above)

Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and 
elastic, 5 to 10 minutes, adding more flour as needed to prevent sticking.

Place dough in a large greased bowl, turning it to coat.  Cover loosely with a 
damp cloth and let rise in warm place until doubled, about 1 1/2 hour.

Grease a 10 inch springform pan.  Punch down the dough. Turn out onto a 
lightly floured surface and for 1 to 2 minutes.

Divide the dough into thirds.  Roll each piece into a 20 inch long rope. Braid 
the ropes together.

Coil braided dough in prepared pan; tuck ends under.  Cover loosely with a 
damp cloth and let rise place until almost doubled, 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 425 deg F  Brush dough with glaze.

Bake until top of cake is golden brown, 25 to 30 mintues.  Turn cake out onto 
wire rack to cool slightly.

Prepare icing by stirring confectioners sugar together with orange juice until 
smooth.  Spread icing over warm cake.  Serve warm.

Pour that cuppa, break off a chunk of that delighful coffee cake, take a bite 
and a sip, lick the glaze off them fingers and settle back with that book. 
Repeat as necessary.


    bd
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