Ingredients
FILLING:2 cups chopped walnuts or hazelnuts1 cup chopped maraschino cherries, patted dry2/3 cup honey1/2 cup sugarBREAD:2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast1 cup warm water (110° to 115°)1/2 cup butter, softened1/2 cup sugar2 large eggs, room temperature1 teaspoon salt4-1/2 to 5 cups all-purpose flourConfectioners’ sugar icing
Preparation
In a small bowl, combine filling ingredients. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in water. In a large bowl, combine the butter, sugar, eggs, salt, yeast mixture and 2 cups flour; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch dough down. Divide in half; roll each half into a 14-in. circle. Transfer to 2 greased baking sheets. Cut five 4-in.-long slits into each circle equal distance apart. Set aside half of filling for garnish; spoon remaining filling into the center of each section.
Fold the 2 outer edges of each section over each other to enclose filling, forming star points. Pinch edges together to seal. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake until golden brown, 20-25 minutes. Drizzle with confectioners’ sugar icing. Spoon reserved filling into the centers.
