Spicy Apricot and Sausage Bread

Spicy Apricot and Sausage Bread

4 oz andouille sausage, finely chopped

1/2 cup dried apricots, finely chopped

1 tsp red pepper flake

2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped

2 tsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

2 tbsp honey

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 package yeast

1 tsp salt

2/3 cup very warm water

2 eggs, beaten

1/4 cup olive oil

brush on top of bread

1 egg, beaten

1 tsp water

1. Saute sausage until brown, add in apricots and red pepper - cook for one minute. Add in fresh herbs and honey. Take off heat. 

2. In mixer add 1 cup flour, yeast, salt and water. Let sit 5 mins. Add eggs, oil and beat for medium to combine stopping as necessary to scrape sides. Beat on high for 3 minutes. Remove from mixer, stir in sausage mixture and remaining flour.

3. Knead dough on floured surface 3 to 5 mins. Place dough in lightly greased bowl, turn to coat. Cover let rise in warm place 1 hour. 

4. Divide dough into thirds, cover to rest 10 mins. Roll each into 16" rope. Braid. (To serve today, let rise 40 mins. Omit step 5, go to step 6)

5. Chill 2-24 hrs. Let stand at room temp for 30 mins before baking. 

6. Combine egg and water and brush on braid. Bake at 350 for 20-25 mins.