CONFETTI FIESTA BRAIDS

Confetti Fiesta Braids image

"This bread is based on the winning recipe in a local contest I judged. I turned it into a double braid and added more peppers. It's not difficult and is well worth the effort. Plus, it smells glorious when baking!"-Fancheon Resler Bluffton, Indiana

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h25m

Yield 2 loaves (20 slices each).

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

5-1/2 to 6-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup cornmeal
2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 large eggs
1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 can (8-1/4 ounces) cream-style corn
1/2 cup finely chopped sweet red, yellow and/or orange peppers
1/4 cup chopped seeded jalapeno peppers
1/4 cup butter, melted

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine 4 cups flour, cornmeal, yeast, sugar and salt. In a small saucepan, heat the buttermilk, butter and onion to 120°-130°. Add to dry ingredients; beat just until moistened. Add eggs; beat until smooth. Stir in the cheese, corn and peppers. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a stiff dough., Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour., Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide dough in half. Divide half of dough into two portions so that one portion is twice the size of the other; shape larger portion into three 16-in. ropes. Place on a greased baking sheet and braid; pinch ends to seal and tuck under., Shape smaller portion into three 10-in. ropes. Braid on a lightly floured surface; tuck ends under. Brush bottom of braid with water and place over larger braid. Cover loaf and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes. Repeat with remaining dough., Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Brush with melted butter. Cool on a wire rack. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 134 calories, Fat 5g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 24mg cholesterol, Sodium 195mg sodium, Carbohydrate 18g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.