Healthy Holidays

Apricot Easter Braids
Healthy Easter Recipe

Ingredients:
2-1/4 cup chopped dried apricots
1-1/2 cup water, divided
1-1/2 cup packed brown sugar
5-1/2 to 6 cups flour
3/4 cup sugar
Three packages (1/4-ounce each) active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
Three eggs, beaten

Glaze:
1 cup confectioners sugar
1 to 2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:
In a saucepan, bring apricots and 1/2-cup water to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until water is absorbed and fruit is tender, about 20 minutes. Transfer to a food processor; add brown sugar. Cover and process until smooth.

In a mixing bowl, combine 2-cups of flour, sugar, yeast and salt. In a saucepan, heat butter and remaining water to 120 to 130-degrees. Add dry ingredients; beat just until moistened. Add eggs; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about six to eight minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 40 to 45 minutes.