Russian Poppy Seed Roll

Ingredients

• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups poppy seeds
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 2 tablespoons orange juice

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, heat the milk, 1/4 cup butter and 1/4 cup sugar over medium heat until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool.
2. In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk mixture. Add 2 cups of flour, salt, eggs and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
3. Stir in the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough is soft and easy to handle. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, cover and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
4. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, combine the poppy seeds, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup butter, cinnamon, cardamom and honey and cook over medium heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is thick. Remove from heat and let cool.
5. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
6. Punch down the dough and roll out into a 12x18 inch rectangle. Spread the poppy seed mixture over the dough. Roll up the dough and place in the prepared pan. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
7. Bake in preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool in the pan.
8. For the glaze, combine the confectioners' sugar, orange juice and almonds in a small bowl and mix until smooth. Spread over the cooled roll.

Interesting Facts

• The poppy seed roll is a traditional dessert in Russia.
• The poppy seed filling is usually flavored with honey, sugar, and spices.
• The roll is usually served with a sweet glaze topping.