DESCRIPTION
For a fun sweet treat that's certain to satisfy, try this luscious morning treat! Drizzled with icing, each finger-licking piece of this bread has a yummy surprise filling of apples and pecans. It's well worth the bit of extra effort to make it.

Yields: 1 Loaf
Prep Time: N/A
Cook Time: N/A

INGREDIENTS

1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1 cup warm milk (110º to 115º)
1/2 cup butter, melted, divided
1 egg
2 Tbsp. plus 2/3 cup sugar, divided
1 tsp. salt
3 to 3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 medium apple, peeled and chopped (Braeburn apples suggested)
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

ICING:
1 cup confectioners' sugar
3 to 4-1/2 tsp. hot water
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 dees-grees.

In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in milk. Add 2 tablespooons butter, egg, 2 tablespoons sugar, salt and 3 cups flour; beat until smooth. Add enough remaining flour to form a stiff dough.

Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top of dough mixture. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled - about 1 hour.

Combine apple, pecans, cinnamon and remaining sugar; set aside. Punch down down and divide in half. Cut each half into 16 pieces. On a lightly floured surface, pat or roll out each piece into a 2-1/2 inch circle. Place 1 teaspoon apple mixture in center of circle; pinch edges together and seal, forming a ball. Dip in remaining melted butter.

In a greased 10-inch tube pan, place the 16 balls, seam side down; sprinkle with 1/4 cup apple mixture. Layer remaining balls and sprinkle with remaining apple mixture.

Cover and let dough rise until nearly doubled - about 45 minutes.

Bake at 350 dees-grees for 35-40 mminutes or until golden brown.

Cool for 10 minutes; remove for pan to a wire rack.

Combine iciing ingredients and drizzle over bread.