THREE-FLOUR BRAID

Three-Flour Braid image

Beautiful sliced or whole, this very pretty multicolored bread from Audrey Benson of Flagler, Colorado freezes well so you can enjoy it anytime of year. And the flavor? Great!

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h5m

Yield 2 loaves (16 slices each).

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
2-1/4 cups warm water (110° to 115°)
1/4 cup canola oil
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
RYE DOUGH:
2 tablespoons molasses
1 tablespoon baking cocoa
1 teaspoon caraway seeds
1-1/4 cups rye flour
WHEAT DOUGH:
2 tablespoons molasses
1 cup whole wheat flour
WHITE DOUGH:
1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon butter, melted

Steps:

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Add the oil, sugar, salt and 2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour; beat for 2 minutes. Add remaining all-purpose flour; beat for 2 minutes longer. Divide evenly into three bowls. , To the first bowl, add molasses, cocoa and caraway; mix well. Gradually add rye flour. 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 set aside. , To the second bowl, add molasses; mix well. Gradually add whole wheat flour. 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 set aside. , To the third bowl, gradually add all-purpose flour. 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 all three bowls and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. , Punch doughs down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide each in half. Shape each half into a 15-in. rope. Place a rope of each dough on a greased baking sheet and braid; pinch ends to seal and tuck under. Repeat with remaining ropes. Cover and let rise until nearly doubled, about 30 minutes. , Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Brush with butter. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 120 calories, Fat 2g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 1mg cholesterol, Sodium 79mg sodium, Carbohydrate 22g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 3g protein.