Betty Franklin's Danish

While I have never met Betty Franklin, I have been blessed by her culinary prowess and generous spirit to share these recipes which are now considered "family recipes."  The following is taken from my mother's NaNoWriMO novel, The Dough Also Rises (as do my friends):

And this novel would not be complete with(out) Betty's Danish recipe. These are so easy to make, especially if you've tried/Mastered her Croissants. Start these in the morning the day BEFORE you want them. Adjust the time line and you'll them the next day.

Betty Franklin's Danish

Mix in a large bowl:

1 1/4 c. flour

1/2 c. sugar

1 1/2 tsp salt

2 T cornstarch

1 1/2 tsp grated lemon peel

2 T yeast

1/4 cup dry milk

Add and beat 2 minutes at medium speed of mixer:

 1 1/4 c. warm water

1/4 c. warm margarine

Beat in and then beat 2 minutes on high speed:

2 eggs

3/4 cup flour

Stir in and stir until blended to stiffen batter:

1 1/2 to 2 c. flour

Cover bowl with aluminum foil. Chill 1 hour in fridge. (Let's say 9am on first day.)

Meanwhile:

Spread 1 1/2 c. margarine onto wax paper into 10x12" rectangle. Chill for 1 hour. (It's easiest if you cut the margarine into 1 T pieces and lay out on wax paper and then with a spatula, gently spread them into a solid piece.)

Roll chilled dough on lightly floured board into 12 x 16" RECTANGLE. Place margarine slab on center third of dough.  Fold dough over margarine. Give a quarter turn. Roll to 12x16" rectangle. Fold as above. Turn, roll, fold once more. Chill for 1 hour (11:30am on the first day.)

Repeat rolling, folding, chilling two more times; refrigerate overnight. (till 9pm of the first day)

Divide in half. Roll half into 15 x 6 " rectangle. Cut into 12 long strings...1 1/2 x 6" strips. Hold each end of a strip and twist each end of strip in opposite directions and then twirl around to form a circle, looks sort of like a snail. Seal ends well. Place on greased baking sheets. Cover lightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight. (This will be overnight of the first day. Awaken in the morning to finish.)

Combine:

1 egg white

1 T. water

Brush on rolls. Bake for 375 degrees for about 20 minutes til done. Cool on wire racks. Frost with confectioners sugar icing. Top with a cheery from a can of cherry pie filling for color.