Christmas Stollen

1/2 c Flour
1/2 c Raisins, dark or golden
1/2 c Margarine
1/4 c Dried Apricots, chopped
2 tb Sugar
1/4 c Unsweetened Apple Juice
1/4 ts Salt, =OR=- 1/4 c Rum
1 ts Lemon Rind, grated
1 pk (or 1 tb) Active Dry Yeast
1 c Flour (up To 1-1/2)
1/3 c Milk, heated to lukewarm
1/2 c Sliced Blanched Almonds, (105 to 110 degrees)

Combine the raisins, apricots and apple juice (or rum) in a bowl. Let soak overnight or for at least 4 hours. Combine the yeast, milk and the 1/2 cup of flour in a bowl. Mix until smooth and the mixture looks like think mashed potatoes. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place for 10 minutes, or until doubled in bulk.

Meanwhile, cream the margarine, sugar, salt, almond extract and lemon rind. Beat in the yeast mixture and 1-1/4 cups of the flour. Turn the dough out onto a lightly-floured surface and knead in about 1/4 cup more flour, or until the dough is soft. Knead for 3 minutes. Put in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1-1/2 to 2 hours.

Once the dough has doubled, knead in the raisin mixture and almonds. Knead until well mixed. Roll the dough into a rectangular 12- by 6-inch shape. Roll up jelly roll fashion. Place on a lightly-oiled baking sheet and let rise about 30 minutes. Bake in a 375-degree oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown.

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