HAM & CHEESE BRAID

Steps:

• Combine warm water, yeast and sugar in mixing bowl, stirring together gently.
• Allow yeast mixture to foam (approx 5 minutes).
• Add 1.5 cups of flour and salt 1 beaten egg, rosemary and olive oil.
• Mix well, adding additional flour to make a soft dough.
• Knead until smooth.
• Place dough in an oiled bowl, turning to coat, cover with saran and let rise until doubled in size (approx 45 min).
• Punch down.
• Turn dough out onto lightly floured board and roll into a 12 x 15 rectangle.
• Transfer onto greased or parchment paper covered baking sheet.
• Combine Mayo and Mustard well and spread up centre of rolled dough.
• Lay thin slices of the ham along mayo-mustard spread and cover evenly with cheese.
• Using scissors cut dough on each side into 1-inch strips (down the entire length).
• Enclose the filling by starting at the corners and folding the strips over the filling in a criss-cross manner.
• Let loaf stand, uncovered in a warm place for about 30 minutes.
• Beat remaining egg and water together to make egg wash and brush over loaf; sprinkle with freshly cracked black pepper.
• Bake at 375ºF for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.