Chicken Parmesan Braid

I don't know where it originally came from, but this has been a family favorite for years (probably at least 25).  It is kind of like pizza's older more sophisticate sister. 


You need:
4 cup flour
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
1 Tbl sugar
1 tsp salt
2 pkgs yeast
1 cup hot water
 2 Tbsp margarine/ or 1 Tb EVOO
 2 eggs
Tomato sauce
chopped veggies (optional)
2 cooked chicken breasts
1/2-1 cup mozzarella (shredded or cubed)


Directions:
Mix oil, sugar, and water.  Sprinkle yeast on top.  Let stand a few minutes until it's foamy.  Add 3 cups of flour, salt, and 1 egg.  Add remaining 1 cup of flour to form soft dough.  Knead for 4 minutes.


Divide into thirds.  Let rise 10 minutes.

Roll each into a long skinny rectangle.  Cover with toppings.  Use sauce sparingly (you can serve with extra sauce later) so it doesn't get soggy. 

 Pinch ends to seal.  

Braid the three parts together.  Let rise over a shallow pan of boiling water for 15 minutes. Brush with beaten egg and bake at 400 degrees for 20- 25 minutes. Brush again w/ egg and sprinkle garlic powder and Parmesan cheese. Bake and additional 1-2 minutes.  Serve with extra sauce.

This is a super versatile recipe.  You can substitute feta and spinach and make it Mediteranean or bacon and cheddar and give it a more southwest touch.  My family was just excited that I actually cooked:)



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