Orange Monkey Bread

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt. Set aside.

2. In a small saucepan, heat the milk and butter over low heat until the butter is melted. Remove from heat and add water. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes until it reaches a warm (not hot) temperature.

3. Pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredients and mix well. Add the eggs and continue to mix.

4. Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until a soft and slightly sticky dough forms.

5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

7. While the dough is rising, prepare the coating. In a shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and orange zest. Mix well and set aside. Melt the butter in a separate bowl and set aside as well.

8. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Pinch off small pieces of dough and shape them into balls, about 1 inch in diameter.

9. Dip each dough ball into the melted butter, then roll it in the orange zest sugar mixture until coated. Place the coated dough balls in a greased Bundt pan or cake pan, layering them evenly.

10. Cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for an additional 30-45 minutes until the dough balls have puffed up.

11. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the monkey bread for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

12. While the monkey bread is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and freshly squeezed orange juice until smooth.

13. Once the monkey bread is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, invert the pan onto a serving plate to release the monkey bread.

14. Drizzle the glaze over the warm monkey bread, allowing it to seep into the crevices. Sprinkle additional orange zest on top for garnish, if desired.

15. Serve the Orange Monkey Bread warm and pull apart the gooey pieces to enjoy!

Orange Monkey Bread is best enjoyed fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. Reheat briefly in the microwave or oven before serving if desired.