BRAIDED ORANGE WREATH

Braided Orange Wreath image

All eyes will turn to this gorgeous braid when it is set on the table. This orange-scented bread will disappear in no time.-Shirley Warren, Thiensville, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Desserts

Time 1h5m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

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Ingredients

4 to 4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup 2% milk
3 tablespoons butter
3 large eggs
3 tablespoons orange juice
1-1/2 teaspoons grated orange zest
GLAZE:
1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
2 to 3 tablespoons orange juice
1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest
1/4 cup dried cranberries

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, sugar, yeast and salt. In a small saucepan, heat milk and butter to 120°-130°. Add to dry ingredients; beat just until moistened. Add the eggs, orange juice and zest; beat until blended. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough., Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour., Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide dough into thirds. Shape each into a 30-in. rope. Braid the ropes; shape into a wreath and pinch ends to seal. Place on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes., Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool., In a small bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar, orange juice and zest; drizzle over bread. Sprinkle with cranberries.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 308 calories, Fat 5g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 62mg cholesterol, Sodium 246mg sodium, Carbohydrate 59g carbohydrate (26g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 7g protein.