HOLIDAY COFFEE CAKE WITH CHERRIES

HOLIDAY COFFEE CAKE WITH CHERRIES

Ingredients for 15 Servings

1 jar (10-ounce) maraschino cherries
1 pkg (8-ounce) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup Slivered almonds
1/2 cup Granulated sugar
1/2 tsp Almond extract
2 pkg (8-ounce) crescent rolls
1/2 cup Confectioner's sugar
2 tsp Milk
1/4 tsp Almond extract

Procedure:

1. Drain maraschino cherries; discard juice or save for another use.
   Reserve 8 to 10 maraschino cherries for garnish; chop remaining cherries.
   Combine chopped cherries, cream cheese, almonds, sugar, and almond extract; mix well.
2. Separate each can of crescent roll dough into 2 rectangles; press firmly at edges and
   perforations to make one large rectangle.  Roll or pat into a rectangle about 15x13 inches.
3. Spread cream cheese mixture over dough.  Roll up dough starting at long side of rectangle.
   Place seam-side down on greased baking sheet.  Form into a ring, firmly pressing ends together.
   With scissors or a sharp knife, cut almost through ring at 1-inch intervals.
   Turn each section slightly on its side.
4. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.
   If necessary, cover with foil during last 5 minutes to prevent over browning.
   Carefully remove from pan to wire rack.
5. Combine confectioner' sugar, milk and almond extract to make a glaze.
   Drizzle over coffee cake.  Garnish with reserved whole cherries.
6. Refrigerate leftovers.
7. Courtesy of the Cherry Marketing Institute

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