INGREDIENTS
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3/4 cups whole milk
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1/4 cup warm water (105 degrees - 115 degrees F.)
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1 packet active dry yeast
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1/2 cup sugar
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1 teaspoon salt
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2 large eggs
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5 - 5 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
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2/3 cups dried cherries
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1/4 cup rum (or other dark spirit)
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2 egg whites
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1 7-ounce tube almond paste
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2 tablespoons sugar
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
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1 egg yolk
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1/4 cup sliced, blanched almonds
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sugar, for sprinkling