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1
Heat 1 1/2 cups milk and 1 cup butter to 120u00b0 to 130u00b0 in a medium saucepan; set aside.
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2
Combine 1/2 cup sugar, yeast, salt, and 2 cups flour in a large mixing bowl. Gradually add warm milk mixture, beating at medium speed of an electric mixer 2 minutes. Add eggs, vanilla, and 2 1/2 cups flour; beat 2 minutes. Gradually add remaining flour to make a soft dough (dough should remain soft and slightly sticky).
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3
Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; knead 5 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Cover; let rest 10 minutes.
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4
Shape dough into a ball; place in a well-greased bowl, turning to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85u00b0), free from drafts, 1 1/2 hours or until doubled in bulk.
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5
Punch dough down; turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into three equal portions, and set aside 2 portions. Roll one portion dough into a 21- x 7-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Melt 2 tablespoons butter, and brush evenly over dough, leaving a 1- inch margin. Combine remaining sugar and cinnamon, stirring well to blend; sprinkle 1/3 cup sugar mixture over dough. Sprinkle 1/2 cup raisins and 1/2 cup pecans evenly over dough, leaving a 1-inch margi
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6
Roll up dough jellyroll fashion, beginning at long side; pinch edges to seal. Place roll on a large, greased baking sheet, seam side down; shape into a ring, and pinch ends together to seal. Repeat procedure with each dough portion.
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7
Make cuts in dough with kitchen shears at 1-inch intervals around ring, cutting two-thirds of the way through roll with each cut. Gently turn each piece of dough on its side, slightly overlapping slices. Repeat procedure for each dough portion
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8
Cover and let rings rise in a warm place (85u00b0), free from drafts, 30 minutes or until doubled in bulk. Bake at 375u00b0 for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack.
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9
Combine powdered sugar and 1/2 cup milk; drizzle over rings. Slice and serve warm.
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10
Note: Tea rings freeze well; thaw and heat quickly.