Peanut Butter Braids

Name: Peanut Butter Braids
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 2 loaves.
Ingredients: 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast; 1/2 cup warm water (110° to 115°); 1/2 cup warm milk (110° to 115°); 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 cup butter, softened; 1-1/2 teaspoons salt; 2 eggs; 4-1/4 to 4-3/4 cups all-purpose flour; FILLING:; 1 cup peanut butter; 1/2 cup butter, softened; Vanilla Glaze, optional

A peanut butter filling sets this sweet bread apart from all the rest. I can picture my grandma making many of these delightful loaves in her cozy kitchen.

Ingredients

2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
1/2 cup warm milk (110° to 115°)
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
2 eggs
4-1/4 to 4-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
FILLING:
1 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup butter, softened
Vanilla Glaze, optional

Directions

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the milk, sugar, butter, salt, eggs and 2 cups flour; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Divide each portion into thirds. Roll each portion into a 16-in. x 3-1/2-in. rectangle. In a small bowl, beat peanut butter and butter until smooth. Spread down the center third of each rectangle. Fold dough lengthwise over filling; pinch seam and ends to seal.
Place three strips seam side down on a greased baking sheet; gently braid. Pinch ends to seal and tuck ends under. Repeat with remaining strips. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
Bake at 350° for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool. Drizzle with glaze if desired.