Spiced Cherry Breakfast Ring

To make the dough: Weigh your flour; or measure it by gently spooning it into a cup, then sweeping off any excess. Combine the dough ingredients in a mixing bowl in the order listed. Mix until the dough begins to come together, then knead for 6 minutes at low to medium speed in your mixer, or by hand on a lightly floured surface, to form a soft, smooth dough. Place the dough back in the bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

To make the filling: In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, ClearJel (or flour), and cinnamon until blended. Sprinkle over the cherries and stir to coat them. Set aside.

To assemble the ring: After the first rise, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to an 18" x 12" rectangle. Spread the filling over it, leaving a 1/2" margin uncovered on both long edges.

Roll up, jelly-roll style, starting with a long side. Pinch the seam closed, and place seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Shape the log into a ring, tucking one end inside the other and pinching to seal.

Using kitchen scissors, snip through the ring at 1" intervals, making each cut 2/3 of the way to the center. Gently lift and angle each section slightly to the side to expose the fruit spiral. Cover the shaped loaf with greased plastic wrap and let rise for about 45 minutes, until puffy.

While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 350°F.

When ready to bake, uncover the dough and gently brush the egg wash over the entire surface of the risen ring.

Bake the bread for 35 to 40 minutes, until golden. Remove it from the oven and transfer the pan to a rack to allow the bread to cool completely.

To make the glaze: Mix the confectioners' sugar, vanilla, and milk to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle over the cooled ring and sprinkle with pearl sugar.

Store, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.