PINEAPPLE CHEESE BRAIDS

Pineapple Cheese Braids image

Provided by Samantha Bideau

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 pkg (1 1/4 oz) active dry yeast
1 c warm ater (1108-115*)
1/2 c butter, softened
5 Tbsp sugar
2 eggs
1/4 tsp salt
4 1/2 c all-purpose flour
PINEAPPLE FLLING
1 can(s) (8oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
1/2 c sugar
3 Tbsp cornstarch
CREAM CHEESE FILLING
2 pkg (8oz) cream cheese, softened
1/3 c sugar
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Steps:

1. In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the butter, sugar, eggs, salt and 2 c. flour; beat on low speed for 3 minutes. Stir in enough 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 45 minutes.
2. In a saucepan, combine the pineapple filling ingredients. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Cook and stir until thickened. Cool. Combine the cream cheese filling ingredients.
3. Punch dough down. Turn onto a floured surface, divide dough in half. Roll each portion into a 15"x9" rectangle. Place on greased baking sheet. Spread the cream cheese filling lengthwise down center third of rectangles. Spread the pineapple filling on top. On each long side, cut 1" wide strips 3" into center. Starting at one end, fold alternately at an angle across filling. Seal ends. Cover and let rise for 20 minutes.
4. Bake at 350* for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool. Refrigerate left overs