Apricot Braids

[idealistinfire]

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Ingredients

2 1/4 cups chopped dried apricots
1 1/2 cups water, divided
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
3 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
3 eggs, beaten
GLAZE:
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon 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 degrees F-130 degrees F. Add to 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 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 40-45 minutes.
Punch dough down; divide into thirds. On greased baking sheets; roll out each portion into a 12-in. x 8-in. rectangle. Spread filling down the center of each rectangle. On each long side, cut 1-in.-wide strips about 2 in. into center. starting at one end, fold alternating strips at an angle across filling. Pinch ends to seal. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
Bake at 375 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool. Combine glaze ingredients; drizzle over braids.