The Braid

This is another family favorite. I have made this so many times and I switch up the filling ingredients every single time. First I will explain how to set up the braid, then I will include several filling variations that I have recipes for (from a pampered chef cookbook).

BRAID:

*Unroll two packages of refrigerated crescent rolls; do not separate. Arrange dough on large rectangular cookie sheet with longest sides of dough rectangles across width of pan. Roll dough to seal seams. Starting on longest sides of pan, cut sides of dough into eight strips, about 1-1/2 inches wide and 3 inches long. Scoop desired filling evenly over center of dough.

*Starting at one end, lift one strip of dough; twist one turn and lay across top of filling. Repeat, alternating strips of dough to form a braid. Fold bottom edges of dough up at ends of braid. Brush with a lightly beaten egg white and bake @ 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.



SUZANNE'S UNPROFESSIONAL FILLING:
1-2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cubed (or shredded)
1/3 cup light mayonnaise
salt & pepper, to taste
garlic, to taste (fresh, minced is tastiest)
1 (10 oz) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and very well drained
shredded cheddar cheese, to taste

*Simply combine all ingredients (except cheese) and microwave until heated through. Spoon the filling into braid and sprinkle with desired amount of cheese. Finish braid and brush with egg white. Bake at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes.



BEEF TACO FILLING:
1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1 package (1-1.25 oz) taco seasoning mix
1-3/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
2 Tbsp. water

Optional toppings: salsa, shredded lettuce, chopped onion and tomato, sliced olive and sour cream.

*Cook ground beef until no longer pink; drain. Stir in taco seasoning mix, 1-1/2 cups of the cheese and water. Scoop filling into braid and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Finish braid and brush with egg white. Bake at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes.


SPINACH & ARTICHOKE FILLING:
1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts in water, drained and chopped
1 package (10 oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 package (4 oz) crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 garlic clove, minced
pepper, to taste
2 Tbsp (1/2 oz) grated fresh Parmesan cheese

*In large bowl, combine artichokes, spinach, mozzarella cheese, feta cheese, bell pepper, mayonnaise, garlic and pepper; mix well. Scoop filling into braid. Finish braid, brush with egg white and sprinkle top with Parmesan cheese. Bake at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes.


CHICKEN CLUB:
3 cups coarsely chopped cooked chicken
4 slices bacon, crisply cooked, drained and chopped
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese, divided
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
2 Tbsp snipped fresh parsley
1 garlic clove, minced
2 plum tomatoes, sliced

*In large bowl, combine chicken, bacon, 3/4 cup cup of the cheese, mayonnaise, mustard, parsley and garlic; mix well. Scoop filling into braid, top with tomato slices. Finish braid, brush with egg white, and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes.


CLASSIC REUBEN:
8 oz sliced deli corned beef, chopped (2 cups)
1 (8 oz) can sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry
1-1/4 cups (5 oz) shredded Swiss cheese, divided
1/4 cup Thousand Island dressing
2 Tbsp. snipped fresh parsley
1 garlic clove, minced

*In large bowl, combine corned beef, sauerkraut, 1 cup of cheese, dressing, parsley and garlic; mix well. Scoop filling into braid. Finish braid, brush with egg white and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes.


CHICKEN & BROCCOLI:
2 cups coarsely chopped cooked chicken
1-1/2 cups coarsely chopped broccoli
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 tsp. dried dill
1/4 tsp. salt
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup slivered almonds

*In large bowl, combine chicken, broccoli, cheese, bell pepper, mayonnaise, dill, salt and garlic; mix well. Scoop filling into braid, finish braid. Brush with egg white and sprinkle with almonds. Bake at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes.


GARDEN VEGETABLE OMELET:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup milk
1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
8 eggs, divided
1 tsp. dill
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 pound fresh asparagus spears, cut into 1-inch pieces (3/4 cup)
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/3 cup chopped onion
1 Tbsp. butter or margarine
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

*In large bowl, whisk cream cheese and milk; add flour and whisk until smooth. Separate one egg; reserve egg white. Add the yolk, remaining 7 eggs, dill, salt and pepper to cream cheese mixture; whisk until smooth. Add asparagus, bell pepper, and onion to bowl; mix well.

*Melt butter in large skillet over medium heat. Add egg mixture; cook, stirring occasionally, 4-6 minutes until eggs are set but still moist. Remove pan from heat. Scoop filling into braid and sprinkle with cheese. Finish braid and brush with egg white. Bake at 375 for 25-30 minutes.

**Variation: obviously you could omit the veggies and add whatever you want like bacon, ham, more cheese, sausage, different veggies, etc.