1 package active dry yeast

1/3 cup warm water (105 to 115)

2 1/2 cups flour

1 cup whole wheat flour

1/4 cup brown sugar -- packed

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg or cardamom

1/2 cup cold butter

2 eggs -- beaten

1/2 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

1/2 cup ground almonds

3 tablespoons brown sugar

2 tablespoons sugar

1/2 teaspoon allspice or cardamom

2 tablespoons butter -- melted

Milk -- optional Coarse sugar -- optional

In a small mixing bowl soften yeast in warm water; set aside. In a large mixing bowl, stir together flour, whole wheat flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, salt, and the 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (or cardomom). Cut in the cold butter until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Stir in the softened yeast, eggs, milk and almond extract until combined. Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours or until dough is easy to handle.

For filling: Stir together ground almonds, 3 tablespoons brown sugar, sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon allspice (or cardomom); set aside.

Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; divide into 3 portions. Shape each into a ball. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes. Gently roll out each piece of dough to a 10" circle. Place one circle on a 12" pizza pan or a large baking sheet lined with greased foil. Brush with half of the melted butter. Sprinkle with half of the filling. Cover with another circle of dough. Brush with remaining butter; sprinkle with remaining filling. Top with the last dough circle.

With kitchen shears or a sharp knife, cut the stack of dough into 12 wedges, cutting to within 1" of the center. Carefully lift each wedge and turn over twice to create a twist in each piece. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for 2 to 24 hours before baking.

Let stand at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking. If desired, brush with milk; sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake in a 350 oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until bread sounds hollow when tapped. Cool slightly on foil on a rack. Serve warm. To serve, transfer bread to a serving platter; cut into wedges.