Chocolate-Filled Braid

From NESTLE

Makes 36 slices (2 braids)

Beautiful for a holiday brunch or dinner, this Chocolate-Filled Braid is a sweet dessert that for any chocolate lover.

INGREDIENTS

2 cups (12-ounce package) NESTLE TOLL HOUSE Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels

2/3 cup (5-fluid ounce can) NESTLE CARNATION Evaporated Milk

1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided

1 cup chopped walnuts

3 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

5 3/4 to 6 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided

2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active-dry or fast-rising yeast

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup milk

1 cup (2 sticks) butter

1/2 cup water

2 large eggs

2 cups sifted powdered sugar

2 tablespoons butter, melted

1/4 cup milk (just enough for drizzling consistency)

DIRECTIONS

1.Heat morsels, evaporated milk and 1/4 cup granulated sugar in small saucepan until morsels are melted and mixture is smooth; remove from heat. Stir in nuts, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and cinnamon.

2.Combine 4 cups flour, remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar, yeast and salt in large mixer bowl.

3.Heat 1 cup milk, 1 cup butter, and water just until warm (120° F to 130° F) and butter almost melts. Add milk mixture to flour mixture; add eggs. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, scraping bowl often. Beat on high speed for 3 minutes. Stir in as much of remaining flour as possible.

4.Turn dough out onto slightly floured surface. Knead in remaining flour to make a moderately soft dough that is smooth and elastic (3 to 5 minutes). Cover; let rest for 10 minutes.

5.Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line two baking sheets with foil.

6.Divide dough in half. Roll half of dough into 18 x 10-inch rectangle. Place dough on one prepared baking sheet. Spread half of chocolate filling lengthwise down center of dough. Cut 1-inch wide diagonal strips on both sides of dough to within 3/4 inch of filling. Crisscross dough strips over filling. Leave as long braid or bring ends together to form a ring, pinching ends to seal. Repeat with remaining dough and filling. Cover; let rise in warm place for 15 minutes.

7.Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until golden brown; cool completely on baking sheet on wire rack.

8.Combine powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and remaining teaspoon vanilla extract in small bowl. Slowly add enough milk for drizzling consistency; stir. Drizzle icing over braids. Cut into slices.

Find this recipe and more holiday treats at verybestbaking.com