Apple Filled Coffee Braid

This is an easy yeast coffee braid. Takes a little time as the dough has to chill overnight, but it has great versatility. Makes 3 braids, so you can make all apple or make 3 different flavors easily! After shaping, the dough may be refrigerated for baking another day. Cooking time includes chill and rise time.

• Ready In: 25 hrs
• Yields: 3 braids

Ingredients

• 2 (1/4ounce) packages active dry yeast
• 1  cup warm water (105F to 115F)
• 1⁄2 cup butter, melted or 1⁄2 cup margarine
• 1⁄2 cup sugar
• 3  eggs, slightly beaten
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 5  cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1⁄2 cups  apple pie filling
• 1  egg
• 1⁄4 cup milk

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water.
2. Add butter, sugar, eggs and salt; beating well.
3. Stir in the flour and knead until a smooth, satiny dough is formed.
4. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
5. Cut dough into 3rds.
6. Roll each portion out to form a 10x12 sheet.
7. Divide sheet of dough into 3 equal strips (each will be about 3 inches wide).
8. Spoon about 2 tbsp apple filling down the length of each strip.
9. Fold dough over filling to seal filling inside.
10. Braid the 3 strips together to make one loaf.
11. Repeat for remaining 2 portions of dough.
12. Place on greased cookie sheet.
13. Cover and let rise about 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until puffy and almost doubled.
14. Mix egg and milk.
15. Brush mixture over loaves.
16. Bake at 375° for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden.