Peaches Cream Braid Food

PEACHES & CREAM BRAID

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375ºF. Unroll 1 package of the crescent dough; do not separate. Arrange longest sides of dough across width of a rectangle stone. Repeat with remaining package of dough. Using a baker's roller, roll dough to seal seams. On longest sides of baking stone, cut dough into strips 1 1/2 inches wide and 3 inches deep. (There will be 6 inches of uncut dough down center for filling.)
• In a bowl, combine cream cheese and powdered sugar; whisk until smooth. Separate egg (set aside yolk for later use); add egg white to cream cheese mixture, whisking until smooth. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly down center of dough. In a bowl, combine peaches and spice blend; toss gently using. Spoon peaches evenly over cream cheese mixture.
• To braid, lift strips of dough across mixture to meet in center, twisting each strip one turn. Continue alternating strips to form braid. Tuck ends up to seal at end of braid. Combine reserved egg yolk with water; brush egg mixture over dough. Chop almonds; sprinkle over dough.
• Bake 25-28 minutes or until deep golden brown. Remove to a cooling rack. Sprinkle lightly with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm.

APRICOT-CREAM CHEESE BRAID

Steps:

• To prepare dough, combine the first 4 ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat; cool. Dissolve yeast in warm water in a large bowl, let stand 5 minutes. Stir in sour cream mixture and 2 eggs. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Gradually stir flour into sour cream mixture (dough will be soft and sticky). Cover dough; chill 8 hours or overnight.
• To prepare filling; combine preserves and next 4 ingredients (preserves through 1 egg) in a medium bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until well blended.
• Divide dough into 4 equal portions. Turn each portion out onto a lightly floured surface; knead lightly 4 or 5 times. Roll each portion into a 12x8 inch rectangle. Spread one-fourth of filling over each portion, leaving a 1/2 inch border. Starting at a long side, carefully roll up each portion "jellyroll fashion"; pinch seam and ends to seal.
• Place 2 loaves on each of 2 baking sheets coated with cooking spray. Cut 4 (1/4-inch deep) "X"s in top of each loaf with scissors. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85 degrees), free from drafts, 25 minutes or until doubled in size.
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place 1 baking sheet in oven (cover remaining loaves to keep from drying). Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes or until lightly browned Repeat procedure for remaining loaves. Cool loaves slightly.
• To prepare glaze, combine powdered sugar , milk and 1tsp. vanilla extract, stirring with a whisk. Drizzle warm loaves with glaze.

PEACHES AND CREAM, LITERALLY

Steps:

• Cut each peach in half along the crease, twist open, and remove the pit. Peel and slice. Cut slices in half to get roughly 2 cups of sliced peaches.
• Bring sugar and water to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Boil until a syrup forms, about 3 minutes. Stir in peaches until coated. Bring syrup back to a light simmer, about 1 minute. Immediately remove from heat and pour mixture into a bowl.
• Transfer peaches into a large bowl using a slotted spoon. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine. Divide mixture between serving glasses, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until completely chilled and cream has absorbed all the peach flavor, at least 3 hours.

CREAM CHEESE BRAIDS

Steps:

• For the dough, dissolve the yeast in the water in a small bowl.
• In large mixing bowl, cream butter, sugar, salt and eggs until well combined.
• Add the yeast mixture to the bowl and mix well.
• Add half of the sour cream and 1/2 of the flour at a time to the mixer.
• Cover dough and refrigerate overnight.
• For the filling, combine all ingredients until smooth.
• Divide the dough into 6 even balls.
• Roll out each ball into about an 8x12 inch rectangle on lightly floured surface.
• Spread one-sixth of the filling among the six dough rectangles, down the center of the roll.
• Roll the rectangles jelly roll style beginning at the long side.
• Pinch edges together and fold ends under slightly.
• Place the rolls seam side down on greased baking sheets.
• I can fit two rolls on each cookie sheet.
• Slit each roll at 2-inch intervals to resemble braid.
• Cover and let rise for 1 hour in a warm area.
• The dough should double.
• Bake at 375 degrees for about 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, prepare glaze by combing all ingredients.
• While warm, spread the braids with the glaze.