MINCEMEAT-FILLED BRAID

Mincemeat-Filled Braid image

Mincemeat has gotten such a bad rap over the years. Raisins, currants and other dried fruit, richly spiced and soaked in brandy...what's wrong with that? My family and I love it tucked inside this gorgeous-looking bread. It's perfect for breakfast or with dinner. -Loraine Steinfort, Shelbyville, Indiana

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 55m

Yield 1 loaf (16 slices).

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
1 large egg, room temperature
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons buttermilk blend powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
3 to 3-1/2 cups bread flour
FILLING:
1 package (9 ounces) condensed mincemeat
1 cup water
ICING:
1/3 cup confectioners' sugar
2 teaspoons water
1/8 teaspoon almond extract

Steps:

Dissolve yeast in warm water. In a large bowl, combine next 6 ingredients, yeast mixture and 1-1/2 cups flour; beat on medium speed 2 minutes. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky)., Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 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., Meanwhile, for filling, crumble mincemeat in a small saucepan; add water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook over medium-low heat until thickened, 20-25 minutes. Set aside; cool., Punch down dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into thirds. Roll each into a 14x4-in. rectangle. Spread a third of the filling down the center of each strip; bring the sides of each strip together over filling. Pinch seams to seal. Place strips, seam side down, on a greased baking sheet and braid. Pinch ends to seal; tuck under. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour., Preheat oven to 350°. Bake until golden brown, 20-25 minutes. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool. , Combine icing ingredients; drizzle over braid.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 206 calories, Fat 4g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 20mg cholesterol, Sodium 287mg sodium, Carbohydrate 38g carbohydrate (18g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.