Mincemeat-Filled Braid

Name: Mincemeat-Filled Braid
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 1 loaf (16 slices).
Ingredients: 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast; 1 cup warm water (110° to 115°); 1 large egg; 1/4 cup butter, softened; 1/4 cup sugar; 3 tablespoons buttermilk blend powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 3 to 3-1/2 cups bread flour; FILLING:; 1 package (9 ounces) condensed mincemeat; 1 cup water; ICING:; 1/3 cup confectioners' sugar; 2 teaspoons water; 1/8 teaspoon almond extract

Mincemeat has gotten such a bad rap over the years. Raisins, currants and other dried fruit, richly spiced and soaked in brandy…what's wrong with that? My family and I love it tucked inside this gorgeous-looking bread. It's perfect for breakfast or with dinner. —Loraine Steinfort, Shelbyville, Indiana

Ingredients

1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
1 large egg
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons buttermilk blend powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
3 to 3-1/2 cups bread flour
FILLING:
1 package (9 ounces) condensed mincemeat
1 cup water
ICING:
1/3 cup confectioners' sugar
2 teaspoons water
1/8 teaspoon almond extract

Directions

Dissolve yeast in warm water. In a large bowl, combine next six ingredients, yeast mixture and 1-1/2 cups flour; beat on medium speed 2 minutes. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft 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 the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Meanwhile, for filling, crumble mincemeat in a small saucepan; add water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook over medium-low heat until thickened, 20-25 minutes. Set aside; cool.
Punch down dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into thirds. Roll each into a 14x4-in. rectangle. Spread a third of the filling down the center of each strip; bring the sides of each strip together over filling. Pinch seams to seal. Place strips, seam side down, on a greased baking sheet and braid. Pinch ends to seal; tuck under. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 350°. Bake until golden brown, 20-25 minutes. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool.
Combine icing ingredients; drizzle over braid.

Test Kitchen Tips

We tested this recipe with a 9-ounce package of Nonesuch Classic Original Condensed Mincemeat, which we ordered online.

The mincemeat braid can also be made in a bread machine. Just place the first nine ingredients in the bread machine pan in the order suggested by manufacturer. Select dough setting (check after 5 minutes of mixing; add 1-2 tablespoons of water or flour if needed). For the filling, combine mincemeat and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook over medium-low heat until thickened. Set aside. When bread machine cycle is completed, turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into thirds. Roll and fill as directed. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake and cool as directed. Combine icing ingredients; drizzle over braid.