Recipe: Banana Pecan Braid (bread machine)

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.