Honey Apricot Cinnamon Braid

Honey Apricot Cinnamon Braid

YIELD: Makes 1 loaf

INGREDIENTS

3 to 3 /12 cups - all-purpose flour

1 package - fast-rising yeast

1 tsp. - ground cinnamon

1 tsp. - salt

1/2 cup - milk

1/4 cup - honey

1/4 cup - water

3 T - butter

1 large - egg

1/2 cup - dried apricots, finely chopped

honey, for glaze

DIRECTIONS

In large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, undissolved yeast, cinnamon and salt.

Heat milk, honey, water and butter until very warm (120° to 130°F); stir into dry ingredients. Stir in egg and enough remaining flour to make soft dough.

Knead on lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 6 to 8 minutes. Cover; let rest 10 minutes. Knead in apricots.

Divide dough into 3 equal pieces; roll to 12-inch ropes. Braid ropes; pinch ends to seal.

Place on large greased baking sheet. Cover; let rise in warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 40 to 60 minutes.

Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes or until done. Remove from oven; brush top of loaf with honey. Remove from sheet; cool on wire rack.

Bread machine variation: Measure 3 cups all-purpose flour and other ingredients into bread machine pan as suggested by manufacturer. Process on dough/manual cycle. When complete, remove dough to floured surface; knead in additional flour if necessary to make dough easy to handle. Shape dough and proceed as directed.