Directions

1. Combine water and yeast in a large mixer bowl. Let stand 5 minutes to soften yeast. Stir in milk, sugar, shortening, salt, egg, vanilla, almond extract and 2 cups bread flour. Beat until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add remaining flour gradually until a soft dough forms. Turn out on floured surface and knead 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Knead in 1 cup sliced almonds. Place in greased bowl, turning once to coat. Cover; let rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 hour, or until double.
2. Prepare filling by blending remaining 3/4 cup almonds, sugar, butter, egg, vanilla and flour in a food processor or blender until a coarse paste forms. Set aside.
3. Divide dough in half; roll each into an 11 x 14-inch rectangle. Spread 1/2 of the almond filling down the middle third of each rectangle. Top each with 1/3 cup raspberry preserves.
4. Make 1-inch wide cuts on both sides of the dough up to the filling using a sharp knife. Fold each strip of dough over filling to resemble a braid. Place on greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 45 minutes or almost double. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool for 10 minutes. To make glaze, combine all ingredients until well blended and drizzle over braids.