1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm buttermilk (approximately 10 minutes).
2. Melt 1/2 cup butter (in microwave or on stove over a double boiler so butter does not burn). Cool and set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, combine flour, salt and cinnamon and set aside.
4. Using an electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment, or using a hand-held mixer, mix eggs and melted butter into yeast/buttermilk mixture. Blend well.
5. When blended, slowly beat flour into milk/egg mixture (about 1 cup at a time). As you add flour, you may need to switch to a dough hook attachment to mix the dough well.
6. When dough comes together, turn onto lightly floured counter or table.
7. Knead until smooth, approximately 6-8 minutes.
8. Lightly coat a large bowl with canola oil and place dough in bowl. Turn dough to coat completely with oil, and cover with a damp cloth.
9. Let dough rise in warm place until doubled in volume (approx. 2 hours).
10. While dough is rising, prepare filling.
11. Melt butter and set aside to cool.
12. If using whole nuts, pulse in food processor approximately 5 times to chop.
13. Combine brown sugar, cinnamon and flour in large bowl. Add nuts and mix well.
14. Pour melted butter and almond extract into dry ingredients and mix well.

When the dough is ready:

1. Turn out onto floured counter or table. Roll into large rectangle, approximately 24
2. inches long and 6 inches wide.
3. Spread filling evenly across dough.
4. Fold dough in half lengthwise and then in half again to create a 3 inch by 12 inch loaf.
5. Shape dough into ring. **If adding a bean or trinket, press bean or trinket deep intocake at this step.
6. To hold ring shape, coat a small bowl with cooking spray and place in the center of the ring to hold shape.
7. Cover dough and allow to rise again for 45 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
8. Bake in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Allow cake to cool and prepare glaze.

For glaze:

1. Combine confectioner's sugar, milk and lemon juice in a bowl. Mix well until smooth.
2. Spread glaze over cooled cake and sprinkle with green, yellow and purple sugars.

Notes and Suggestions

While this cake has 3 components, it is very simple to make. Green, yellow and purple sugars can be found at arts and crafts stores. If you are unable to locate sugars, you can divide the glaze and tint with food coloring to achieve the green, yellow and purple colors. Drizzle using a spoon and enjoy!