APRICOT BRAIDS

Apricot Braids image

"These lovely yeast braids are light and tender and have a delightful apricot filling," writes Paula Wipf from Arlington, Virginia. "They're very popular with family and friends."

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h20m

Yield 3 braids.

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

2-1/4 cups chopped dried apricots
1-1/2 cups water, divided
1-1/2 cups packed brown sugar
5-1/2 to 6 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
3 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
3 eggs, beaten
GLAZE:
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 to 2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

In a saucepan, bring apricots and 1/2 cup water to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until water is absorbed and fruit is tender, about 20 minutes. Transfer to a food processor; add brown sugar. Cover and process until smooth., In a bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast and salt. In a saucepan, heat butter and remaining water to 120°-130°. Add to dry ingredients; beat just until moistened. Add eggs; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough., Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 40-45 minutes., Punch dough down; divide into thirds. On greased baking sheets, roll out each portion into a 12x8-in. rectangle. Spread filling down the center of each rectangle. On each long side, cut 1-in.-wide strips about 2 in. into center. Starting at one end, fold alternating strips at an angle across filling. Pinch ends to seal. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes., Preheat oven to 375°. Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool. Combine glaze ingredients; drizzle over braids.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 220 calories, Fat 4g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 29mg cholesterol, Sodium 128mg sodium, Carbohydrate 44g carbohydrate (24g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein.