Cream Cheese Braid

I know this is favorite month, but I missed so many dinner groups and I didn't get to try most of the delicious recipes you all brought, so I'm making one of our family's favorite breads.


Dough:
5 1/4 C Bread Flour
1/4 C Sugar
1/2 T Salt
1 1/2 T Instant Yeast rounded
1 1/2 T Liquid Lecithin
2 C Hot Tap Water

Mix dry ingredients. Add lecithin and water. Mix for one minute and check consistency. Dough should be very wet. Add more water if too dry. I usually add about another 1/3 C hot water. Mix for 5 minutes.
Split dough between two baking sheets. Roll out to fill sheet.

Have Filling ready:
4 oz softened cream cheese
1/2 C powdered sugar
1/2 t vanilla
May also add fruit or jam of your choice

Spread filling down middle of dough long ways leaving about 1/2 inch at top and bottom and a third on either side. Braid, carefully sealing edges.

Bake at 350 for 25 minutes.
Ice while warm

Icing:
2 C powdered sugar
1/4 C softened butter
1/2 t vanilla
2 T water or milk