bread braids

I have finally learned to make my own bread.  I found this recipe on pinterest, but tweaked it.  I cannot believe how easy it is to make bread.  I have always been so intimidated by making it.  My mom gave me a KitchenAid mixer and b/c I am not a baker it rarely gets used.  I was so glad I had it for this recipe.  I dumped all ingredients in the mixer and it was good to go except for the rising.  The entire family LOVED this recipe, super easy midweek meal.  Next time, I am going to experiment and try to make calzones or the peanut butter and jelly braid.  

Taco Braid Filling
4 oz of Cream Cheese, softened
1/2 cup Salsa
1/2 lb ground turkey, seasoned and cooked with a Taco seasoning mix
1 pkg refried beans (cooked) we like the refried black beans
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
olive oil
garlic salt

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray counter and hands with cooking spray and knead for a few seconds to form smooth ball.
2. Roll dough into a 15-in. x 12-in. rectangle. Place on a greased cookie sheet. It's very important to place the dough on the cookie sheet before you fill it because once you fill it, it will be too heavy to move onto the cookie sheet. Mix salsa and cream cheese in a small bowl. Spread cream cheese mixture lengthwise down center third of rectangle, salsa, then seasoned meat and beans. Sprinkle with cheese. 
3. On each long side, cut 1 inch wide strips about 2-1/2-inches into center. Starting at one end, fold alternating strips at an angle across filling. 
4. Pinch ends to seal and tuck under. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic salt. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
5. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.
6. Remove from oven and place on cooling rack.

Fast Easy Bread Dough Recipe
2 and 1/2 cups unbleached bread flour
2 Tbsp sugar 
1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp Fleischmann's Active Dry yeast
1 cup hot/warm water

Instructions: 
1.Mix dry ingredients.
2.Add water slowly, add 3/4 cups and then the remaining 1/4 cup. Mix for 1 minute and check consistency. The dough mixer should be sticky and pull itself off bowl. 
4.Mix/knead in mixer on medium setting for 5 minutes or knead for 5 minutes by hand.