Apple Braid

Preheat oven to 350

Make the Apple Filling - peel, core, and slice the apples into thin slices, then cut the slices in half. Toss the apple pieces with the sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.

Bake the apple filling for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside, but don't turn the oven off just yet. You'll be using it later.

While the apple filling is baking, begin preparing the bread dough. Mix all the dry ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. Add the water and oil and mix the dough for 6 minutes using an electric mixer on medium-high speed.

Spray a smooth clean surface with cooking spray and turn the dough out onto the surface. Knead the dough briefly to give it a smooth surface. Spray a rolling pin with cooking spray and roll the dough out into a large rectangle about 12-inches by 16-inches in size. Lift onto greased baking sheet.

Using a knife, cut each side of the dough into strips about 1-inch wide on each side. Spread the apple filling down the middle of the dough. Fold strips of dough into the center, crisscrossing or filling by alternating strips from each side. Lightly press ends to seal.

Bake the braid in the oven for 25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Make the Glaze - Whisk together the glaze ingredients in a small bowl until blended and smooth.

Once the braid is done in the oven, remove it and brush the glaze over the entire surface of the apple braid while it is still cooling.