HEARTY SWEET POTATO BRAIDS

Hearty Sweet Potato Braids image

We make these delicious and nutritious loaves every Christmas. Thyme gives the pretty braids a lovely flavor. For a change, I often use safflower oil in this recipe. -Suzanne Kesel of Cohocton, New York

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h15m

Yield 2 loaves (12 slices each).

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
1-1/2 cups mashed sweet potatoes, room temperature
1 cup warm fat-free milk (110° to 115°)
1/4 cup canola oil
3 tablespoons honey
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2-3/4 to 3-1/4 cups whole wheat flour
1 tablespoon cold fat-free milk

Steps:

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the sweet potatoes, milk, oil, honey, all-purpose flour, cornmeal, salt, thyme and 2 cups whole wheat flour; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining whole wheat flour to form a firm dough. , Turn onto a lightly floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a bowl coated with cooking spray; turn once to coat top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. , Punch dough down; divide into six equal portions. Shape each into a 20-in. rope. Place three ropes on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray; braid. Pinch ends to seal and tuck under. Repeat with remaining ropes. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 35 minutes. , Brush loaves with cold milk. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire racks.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 131 calories, Fat 3g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 206mg sodium, Carbohydrate 24g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 3g protein.