Etta's Unforgettable Potica

This recipe comes from my next door neighbor when I was growing up. She was from Croatia and made this every Christmas. I remember sitting and watching her make this and my mouth watering while waiting in anticipation. It seems like a lot of work, but really it's not and the results are so good. This is a Christmas tradition in our house, that I hope to pass down to my daughter. Cooking time includes rising time.

• Ready In: 4 hrs 45 mins
• Serves: 24
• Yields: 2 loaves

Ingredients

• DOUGH

• 2 (1/4ounce) envelopes active dry yeast
• 1⁄4 cup  warm milk (105 - 115 degrees)
• 3  tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 5  cups all-purpose flour
• 1  tablespoon sugar
• 1⁄4 cup sugar
• 1  cup unsalted butter, softened
• 6  egg yolks
• 2⁄3 cup heavy cream
• 2⁄3 cup milk
• 1  teaspoon salt

• WALNUT FILLING

• 1  cup  good  whiskey
• 1 1⁄2 cups sugar
• 2  eggs
• 2⁄3 cup heavy cream
• 6  cups walnuts, ground very fine

Directions

1. Pour whiskey over walnuts and let sit.
2. Sprinkle yeast over warm milk in a glass measuring cup. Stir in 3 tablespoons of the flour and 1 tablespoon of the sugar. Let stand until foamy, about 10 minutes.
3. Beat butter and remaining 1/4 cup sugar in a large bowl until creamy. Add yolks, one at a time, beating will after each addition. Stir in yeast mixture.
4. Combine cream and milk in a small bowl.
5. Combine 3 cups of the flour and salt in a second bowl. On low speed, beat flour/salt mixture alternately with cream mixture into butter mixture in 2 or 3 batches, beating well after each. With a wooden spoon, stir in remaining 2 cups flour; dough will be very soft. Turn dough out onto lightly floured board. Knead 12 - 15 minutes or until smooth and elastic, adding more flour as needed (about 1/4 cup total) to prevent sticking. Place dough in a greased large bowl, turning to coat. Cover with greased waxed paper and a clean kitchen towel. Let rise in warm place until dough is almost doubled, about 2 hours.
6. Beat eggs, sugar and cream in a large bowl. Stir in walnuts & whiskey (don't worry, nuts will look purple from soaking in the whiskey). Set aside.
7. Punch dough down. On floured work surface, divide dough into 2 pieces. Cover other piece with a greased waxed paper and a kitchen towel. Roll the remaining piece of dough into a long rectangle about 30x13-inch. Gently spread with 1/2 of filling on top, leaving a 1/2" border all around the edge. Beginning with the short side, roll up tightly, jelly-roll style. Bring ends together to make a circle and pinch together. Place, seam side down, on a greased baking sheet. Cover with lightly greased waxed paper and kitchen towel. Repeat with remaining piece of dough and filling. Let rise in a warm place about 1 1/4 hours or until doubled in bulk.
8. Heat oven to 350°F.
9. Bake for 40 - 45 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack. Let cool slightly and serve warm or cool completely.