HAYDEL'S KING CAKE

Steps:

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
• In a large bowl, combine sugar, salt and shortening; beat on low speed with an electric mixer unitl creamy.
• Add eggs, one at a time beating well after each addition.
• Dissolve yeast in milk; let stand for 5 minutes.
• Stir extracts and flavorings into the milk.
• Add the milk mixtue to the egg mixture and mix well to combine.
• Add flour, mixing until well combined.
• Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface.
• Knead intp a small ball.
• Sprinkle dough with flour, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and allow to rise in a warm spot for 1 1/2 hours.
• Roll dough into a 16x12-inch oblong shape and brush evenly with canola oil.
• Sprinkle liberally with cinnamon-sugar.
• Fold dough in half lengthwise, cut into three lengthwise stips, and braid.
• Starting with one end, pull braid gently to elongate it and shape it into a circle.
• Place on prepared baking sheet.
• Let dough rise again for approximately 1 hour, until dough is doubled in size.
• Sprinkle with desired amount of colored sugar.
• Preheat oven to 370°F
• Bake until golden, about 12 to 15 minutes.