Maple-Pumpkin-Pecan Twist

<font size="3">Maple-Pumpkin-Pecan Twist

Makes 2 large twists



1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin

1 cup water

1/2 cup shortening

7 to 8 cups all-purpose flour, divided

2 cups pecans, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup sugar

2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast

2 teaspoons salt

2 eggs

2 teaspoons maple flavoring, divided

6 to 8 tablespoons milk

2 cups powdered sugar



Heat pumpkin, water and shortening in medium saucepan over medium heat until shortening is melted and temperature reaches 120° to 130°F. Remove from heat.

Combine 4 cups flour, pecans, sugar, yeast and salt in large bowl. Add pumpkin mixture, eggs and 1 teaspoon maple flavoring; beat vigorously 2 minutes. Add remaining flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until dough begins to pull away from side of bowl. Turn out dough onto lightly floured work surface; flatten slightly. Knead 10 minutes or until smooth and elastic, adding flour, if necessary, to prevent sticking. Shape dough into ball. Place in large, lightly greased bowl; turn dough over once to coat surface. Cover with towel; let rise in warm place about 1 hour or until doubled in bulk.

Turn out dough onto lightly greased work surface; divide into four pieces. Shape each piece into 24-inch-long rope. Lightly twist two ropes together. Tuck ends under loaf to prevent untwisting. Place on lightly greased baking sheet. Repeat with remaining two ropes. Cover with towel; let rise in warm place 45 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375°F. Remove towel. Bake bread 25 minutes or until deep golden brown. Immediately remove bread from baking sheets and cool on wire rack 20 minutes.

Combine remaining 1 teaspoon maple flavoring and 6 tablespoons milk in small bowl. Whisk milk mixture and powdered sugar together in medium bowl. If icing is too thick, add remaining milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until of desired consistency. Drizzle over loaves. </font>