Cherry Almond Braid

By Bean4bella

Ingredients

• GLAZE:
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds
• 1/3 cup chopped maraschino cherries
• 2 packages (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent rolls
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
• Additional slivered almonds and maraschino cherries

Preparation

Step 1

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in extract. Fold in almonds and cherries; set aside.
Unroll crescent rolls on an ungreased baking sheet; overlap long sides to make at 12-in. square. Press perforations to seal. Spread the cream cheese mixture down center third of square to within 1 in. of top and bottom; fold top and bottom edge over filling. Bring long sides over filling and overlap. Pinch seam to seal.
Bake at 375° for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely on a wire rack.
Combine the confectioners' sugar, butter and enough milk to reach desired consistency; drizzle over top of loaf. Garnish with almonds and cherries.