BUTTER BRAID RECIPE RECIPES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, yeast, cardamom and salt. In a small saucepan, heat 1-1/2 cups milk, butter and honey to 120°-130°. Add to dry ingredients; beat just until moistened. Add eggs; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a firm 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 top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes. , Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Divide each portion into thirds. Shape each into a 14-in. rope. Place 3 ropes on a greased baking sheet and braid; pinch ends to seal and tuck under. Repeat with remaining dough. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes. , Brush with remaining milk and sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 375° until golden brown, 20-25 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F. Line large cookie sheet with cooking parchment paper.
• In medium bowl, beat ham, bell pepper, 6 of the eggs and the pepper with whisk or fork until well mixed.
• In 10-inch nonstick skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Pour egg mixture in skillet; cook over medium-high heat 2 to 3 minutes or until eggs are thoroughly cooked but still moist. Stir in cream cheese. Cook 1 to 2 minutes longer, stirring occasionally, until cheese is melted.
• Meanwhile, unroll dough into 1 long rectangle onto cookie sheet. Press into 16x8-inch rectangle, firmly pressing perforations and seams to seal.
• Spoon egg mixture in 4-inch wide strip lengthwise down center of rectangle. Sprinkle with shredded cheese. With sharp knife, make cuts 1 inch apart on long sides of dough rectangle to within 1/2 inch of egg mixture. Fold strips of dough up over egg mixture to meet in center; pinch to seal.
• In small bowl, beat remaining egg with whisk or fork; brush evenly onto dough. Sprinkle with poppy seed.
• Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until deep golden brown. Remove from cookie sheet; cut into crosswise slices. Serve warm.