Pizza and Ham and Cheese braid for lunch!

Here is what is for lunch today and it is Yummy!!

Meat and Cheese Braid

2 cups warm water

3 tbls. Yeast

4 tbls. Sugar

4 tbls. Melted butter

2 tsp. salt

1/4 cup mustard (whatever kind you like-fancy or plain)

6-7 cups flour

2 tbls. Dough enhancer (opt.)

1 egg-for brushing on dough
20 slices of deli cut turkey or ham, Or pepperonis is doing a pizza braid
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar Or Mozzerella if doing a pizza braid

~Mix together water, yeast, sugar and two cups of flour. Allow dough to rest until bubbly.

~Add melted butter, salt, mustard and dough enhancer. Mix well.

~Add flour 1 cup at a time until dough pulls away from bowl. (At some point switch to your dough hook) Don't let the dough get too stiff. Knead 6-10 minutes until dough is stretchy and gluten developed.

~Divide dough in half. Roll out into a rectangle. Down the center of the dough, long ways, put 5 slices of meat, then put 1 cup of shredded cheese on top of that and add another layer of meat. Using a knife, pizza cutter or pastry knife cut strips in dough on either side of meat and cheese.

~Carefully fold strips over meant alternating sides to make a "braid."

~Put bread on greased pan. Repeat with second half of dough. Allow to rise, covered, for 30 minutes.

~After dough has risen, take egg and beat it. Then brush on top of bread. Bake at 375 for 25-30 minutes.

*Serve Warm. Makes 2 loaves. Serves 6-8

* When I make a pizza one I always spread some pizza sauce on the bread before I layer the meat and cheese.