Shelly's Recipe

CHOCOLATE CREAM-CHEESE BRAIDS

Category: Bread

1/2 cup warm water (105 to 115 degrees)
2 (1/4-ounce) packages active dry yeast
1 cup sour cream, heated in microwave for 30 seconds
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 recipe Chocolate Cream-Cheese Filling
1 cup confectioners sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 cup semisweet chocolate morsels, melted

In a small bowl, combine water and yeast; let stand for 5 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine sour cream, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Add yeast mixture, stirring well. Add eggs, beating well. Gradually add flour, stirring until combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours. Lightly grease 2 baking sheets.

Divide dough into 4 equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a 15-x-10-inch rectangle. Evenly spread Chocolate Cream-Cheese Filling over each. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with long end. Place on prepared baking sheets.

Using scissors, make 1/2-inch cuts at 1-inch intervals, down center of rolls. Lightly cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, for 1 hour, or until doubled in bulk.

Preheat oven to 375. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until lightly browned.

In a small bowl, combine confectioners sugar and milk. Brush over hot pastries. Drizzle with melted chocolate. Yield: 4 loaves

Chocolate Cream-Cheese Filling
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
3 (1-ounce) squares semisweet chocolate, melted

In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Add egg, beating until combined. Stir in melted chocolate.