Marzipan Birthday Kringle Recipes

KRINGLE

Steps:

• Divide butter in half and spread each half on waxed paper to an 8x8 inch square.
• Chill.
• Dissolve yeast in warm water.
• Add lukewarm milk, sugar, salt, lemon extract and egg, mixing well.
• Add flour and mix until smooth.
• Roll dough on well floured board to an 12x8 inch rectangle.
• Place one piece of chilled butter on two thirds of dough.
• Fold uncovered third of dough over the middle third, then fold the remaining third over top.
• Again fold one end over middle third, and fold remaining third over top, making a square of nine layers.
• Wrap in waxed paper and refrigerate 30 minutes.
• Roll dough again to an 8x12 inch rectangle.
• Add chilled butter and fold the same way.
• This makes 18 layers.
• Refrigerate 2 hours.
• Cut dough into 2 equal pieces.
• Lightly roll one piece at a time, until piece is about 20x6 inches.
• Spread center third of dough with butterscotch filling, then add fruit, nuts, raisins and so on-- or top with jam.
• Fold one of the long edges to the middle, moisten other edge and fold over top to cover filling.
• Seal well.
• Put kringle on a greased baking sheet and form into an oval shape, pressing ends of kringle together to form a continuous circle.
• Flatten dough with hands.
• Cover kringle for 1 hour at 70 degrees.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
• Cool, then ice with a mixture of powdered sugar and water.

MARZIPAN CHRISTMAS KRINGLE (JULESKRINGLE)

Steps:

• In a small bowl, stir together the milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let stand for 10 minutes to dissolve. Stir in cream.
• In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, salt and cardamom. Cut in the butter using a pastry blender or pinching with your fingers until it is a course mealy texture. Stir in the yeast mixture until well blended. Pat into a ball, flatten slightly, then wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours.
• To make the filling, mix the almond paste, almonds, sugar, cinnamon and almond extract using an electric mixer until evenly blended. It may be crumbly.
• Roll the chilled dough out into a 2 inch wide and 24 inch long rectangle. Spread the filling to within 2 inches of the sides and roll up into a tube. Cover your work surface with sugar, and roll the tube of dough in the sugar to coat thoroughly. Roll and stretch the dough out to form a long rope about 40 inches long. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet and shape into a pretzel shape.
• Brush the top of the pretzel with egg white and sprinkle with almonds. Cover loosely with a towel and let rise for 45 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Bake the kringle in the preheated oven until golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Cut into slices to serve.