Sausage Cheese Braid

Directions

1. 1
   In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Add sugar, salt, Italian seasoning, 1 egg, butter and 2 cups flour; beat until smooth. Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
2. 2
   Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
3. 3
   Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook sausage until no longer pink; drain and set aside to cool.
4. 4
   Punch the dough down; divide in half. On a floured surface, roll each half into a 14x12-in. rectangle. Cut each one into three 14x4-in. strips. Combine cheese and sausage; spoon 1/2 cup down the center of each strip. Bring long edges together over filling; pinch to seal.
5. 5
   Place three strips with seam side down on greased
6. 6
   . Braid strips together; secure ends. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.
7. 7
   Beat remaining egg and brush over loaves. Bake at 400° for 20-25 minutes or until golden. Immediately remove from
8. 8
   to wire racks. Serve warm.