GARLIC BRAID RECIPES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 375°F. In 8-inch skillet, cook sausage over medium heat, stirring frequently, until no longer pink; drain.
• In large bowl, mix spinach, cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic and cooked sausage.
• If using crescent rolls: Unroll dough into 1 large rectangle on ungreased cookie sheet. Press into 13x8-inch rectangle, firmly pressing perforations and seams to seal. If using dough sheet: Unroll dough on ungreased cookie sheet. Press into 13x8-inch rectangle.
• Spoon sausage mixture in 4-inch-wide strip lengthwise down center of rectangle. Top with slices of both cheeses.
• With scissors or sharp knife, make cuts 1 inch apart on long sides of dough rectangle to within 1/2 inch of sausage mixture. Fold strips of dough up over sausage mixture to meet in center; pinch to seal.
• Bake 18 to 24 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from cookie sheet; cut into crosswise slices. Serve warm.

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.