Apple Ladder Loaf - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 (1/4 ounce) packages active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (110 to 115 )
1/2 cup warm milk (110 to 115 )
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/3 cup sugar
4 eggs
1 teaspoon salt
4 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
FILLING
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
4 cups thinly sliced peeled tart apples
1/4 cup butter, softened
ICING
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 -2 tablespoon orange juice
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation

In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in water.
Add the milk, butter, sugar, salt, eggs and 2 cups flour.
Beat on low speed for 3 minutes. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes.
Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top.
Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours; punch dough down.
Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half.
Roll each half into a 12-in. x 9-in. rectangle. Place each on a greased baking sheet. Spread with butter.
For filling, combine the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice in a large bowl;
Add apples and toss to coat.
Spread filling down center third of each rectangle.
On each long side, cut 1-in. wide strips about 3 inches into center.
Starting at one end, fold alternating strips at an angle across filling; seal ends.
Cover and let rise until nearly doubled, about 45-60 minutes.
Bake at 350\u00b0 for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Combine icing ingredients until smooth; drizzle over warm loaves.
Serve warm or at room temperature. Store in the refrigerator.