Banana Pecan Braid Makes 1 loaf. Dough can be prepared in all-size bread machines.
Dough 3 cups bread flour 1/2 cup chopped dates or pitted dates, snipped 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted 1/4 cup sugar 2 teaspoons FLEISCHMANN'S Bread Machine Yeast 1/2 teaspoon salt 3 tablespoons butter or margarine, cut up 3 tablespoons milk 3 tablespoons water (70 to 80oF) 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana 1 large egg
Topping 1 tablespoon sugar 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom or 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice Directions To make dough: Measure dough ingredients into bread machine pan in the order suggested by manufacturer. Process on dough/manual cycle. When cycle is complete, remove dough to floured surface. If necessary, knead in additional flour to make dough easy to handle. Divide dough into 3 equal pieces; roll each to 15-inch rope. Braid 3 ropes together, pinching ends to seal. Place on greased baking sheet. Cover; let rise in warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
In small bowl, combine topping ingredients; sprinkle on loaves.
Bake at 375F for 25 to 30 minutes or until done, switching positions of pans halfway through baking. Remove from pans; cool on wire racks.
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