Cheese Filled Braided Bread Recipe

In a measuring cup, combine 1/2 cup warm milk (not hot), 1 tsp sugar, and 1 1/2 tsp yeast. Stir to combine and let sit 10 minutes to proof.

In a small bowl, add 1 egg, remaining 3 Tbsp sugar, 1/8 tsp salt and whisk together. Whisk in warm melted butter (not hot). Lastly, whisk in proofed yeast mixture.

In a large mixing bowl, add 2 1/4 cups flour, then add wet ingredients. Combine dough with a spatula then knead by hand for 10 minutes. Dough will be soft and not stick to your hands. Form the dough into a ball, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and let rise at room temperature for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until doubled in size.

Meanwhile, make cheese filling: In a medium bowl crumble farmers cheese with a fork. Add 1/4 cup sugar and 1 egg yolk. Use a spatula to blend until combined and somewhat creamy. Add diced apricots and 2 tsp orange zest.

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer to a lightly floured surface. Roll dough into a 12"x9" rectangle, between 1/8" and 1/4" thick. Add cheese filling and spread evenly leaving a 1/2" border at the edges.

Roll dough into a log starting from the long end and pinch edges to seal. Cut the roll in half to split into 2 strands, keeping them attached at one end. Overlap the 2 strands starting at the connected end and weaving them together towards the ends. Pinch the ends to seal. Carefully transfer braid cut-side up to a greased loaf pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise/puff up at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. Beat 1 egg with 1 tsp water and generously brush egg wash over risen loaf.

Bake in the center of the oven at 350˚F for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let rest 5 minutes in the pan then transfer to a wire rack. Dust warm bread with powdered sugar. Once cooled to room temperature, slice and serve.