Braided Crown with Marzipan and Almonds

Directions

1. 1In a bowl, crumble the yeast, add a little milk (1-2 tablespoons), and dilute with a teaspoon of sugar. Mix and let rise for 5 minutes.
2. 2Pour in food processor bowl with flour, butter, eggs, and remaining sugar.
3. 3Knead for 5 to 7 minutes to obtain a homogeneous dough ball.
4. 4Let rise for 45 minutes, cover the bowl with a dry towel or plastic film.
5. 5Preheat oven to 355 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. 6Crush almond powder with a fork (it must be flexible enough), add egg whites, beat with a fork.
7. 7Stir in powdered sugar, cinnamon, and almond paste. Set aside.
8. 8Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to form a rectangle 35 x 40 centimeters. Cover dough with almond spread, using a knife or a spoon.
9. 9Roll the dough tight (like a rolled cake).
10. 10Cut roll in half, and wreathe the 2 parts together. Cut the 2 ends to get a clean edge, and gather them to form a crown.
11. 11Place this ring on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Using a brush, gild with egg yolk diluted in 1 tablespoon of milk.
12. 12Bake crown for 30 minutes, until golden brown.