Danish Pastry

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup almond paste, grated
• 1/4 cup dried cherries or cranberries, chopped
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
• 1/4 cup apricot jam

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Mix well.
2. Add the warm milk and mix until a dough forms.
3. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. After 1 hour, punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface.
6. Spread the softened butter onto the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
7. Sprinkle the grated almond paste, dried cherries, and slivered almonds on top of the butter.
8. Roll up the dough into a log and shape it into a circle, sealing the ends together.
9. Place the dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let it rise for another 45 minutes.
10. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough is rising.