Apple Braid
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
- 2/3 cup warm milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1 envelope quick-active dry yeast
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 recipe of cooked apples (see method here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5aYZAMZ8ms)
- 1 egg white, beaten
Method
- Add the flour and yeast to the bowl of a stand mixer and stir to mix.
- Add the melted butter, sugar and eggs and start to mix at low speed.
- Add the salt.
- Gradually add the warm milk. The dough should come together but will be sticky. Keep stirring until the dough comes together in ball.
- Add the olive oil – the dough should be shiny and and stretchy.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes.
- Place in an oiled bowl and cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size – at least 2 hours.
- Divide the dough into 3 equal weight sections.
- Roll each piece into a long rectangle about 4 by 12 inches.
- Fill each section with the apple filling by placing it at the center of the strip. Fold the dough over and ensure it is well sealed. Repeat with the other 2 sections.
- Attach all 3 sections together from their tops and form them into a braid.
- Let the braid rest for 45 minutes.
- Once risen brush the braid gently with a beaten egg white.
- Bake in a 350 degree oven for 45 minutes until nicely browned.
