SHORT BRAIDS RECIPES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 375°F. Line large cookie sheet with cooking parchment paper.
• If using crescent rolls, unroll dough and separate into 4 (6 1/2x4 in) rectangles, pinching remaining seams together. If using crescent dough sheet, unroll dough onto work surface; cut in half crosswise and in half lengthwise to make 4 rectangles.
• In small bowl, mix cream cheese, 3 tablespoons powdered sugar and 1/8 teaspoon vanilla until smooth. Spread generous tablespoon of the mixture in 3 1/2-inch wide strip down center of each dough rectangle, all the way to the edge of the long ends, leaving 1 1/2-inch border on short ends of dough.
• In another small bowl, carefully mix berries and strawberry preserves to coat. Spoon on top of cream cheese mixture, dividing mixture evenly among rectangles.
• Make 8 cuts on each short side of rectangle, just to edge of filling. Alternating from side to side, fold cut strips of dough at an angle across filling, slightly overlapping ends. Gently pull short ends of assembled braid so berries peek through strips of dough; place on cookie sheet.
• Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 10 minutes on cookie sheet before serving.
• In small bowl, mix Drizzle ingredients, adding enough milk for desired drizzling consistency. Drizzle over warm braids; serve.

Steps:

• Place the butter and milk in a medium bowl. Using a mortar and pestle, grind the saffron with a pinch of the sugar, and stir into the mixture. In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in a little of the lukewarm butter mixture, then add the remaining butter mixture, the remaining sugar and the salt.
• Gradually add enough of the flour (almost all of it) to make a workable dough, kneading for 10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes in a mixer with a dough hook. Shape into a ball, sprinkle with a little flour and cover with a cloth. Allow to rise in a warm spot for 30 to 45 minutes.
• Transfer the dough to a floured work surface, and knead in additional flour if the dough is sticky. Shape as desired into buns, braids or lengths. Place on lined baking sheets, and allow to rise again for 30 to 45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 400.
• Brush the buns with beaten egg, and press raisins lightly into the dough. Bake until golden and risen, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a bun comes out dry. Smaller buns may take 8 to 10 minutes; larger lengths and braids, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool the buns on a rack under a cloth.