Harvest Braid

This is called a Harvest Braid.  It uses the lattice braid technique, but instead of the customary sweet filling, it uses ham, apples, sharp cheddar and nuts.  Here's what you need:
Any dough, enough for one loaf of bread
1 ½ cups coarsely chopped ham
1 ½ cups sharp Cheddar cheese
½ cup chopped walnuts
1 ¼ cups peeled and chopped apples (tart baking apples are best)

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            Prepare dough though the first rising.  Punch dough down and knead briefly to expel larger air bubbles.  On a lightly floured board, roll out to a rectangle about 18 x 10 inches.  Prepare filling by combining ham and cheese in a medium size bowl and tossing to mix.  Spread filling lengthwise in the center third of the dough, pressing it together lightly. 

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           Using a sharp knife or a small pizza cutter, cut each outer third of the dough (the part not covered by the filling) into 5 to 10 diagonal strips, cutting from the edge of the dough to about 1 inch from the edge of the filling.  Lightly brush strips with water.

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Fold strips over filling, alternating left and right, being careful not to stretch the dough.  Tuck in the ends of the last strips and pinch to seal.  Carefully transfer to a lightly greased 13x9x2-inch baking pan.  Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place for 30 minutes or until doubled.
Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 30 minutes or until golden brown and the temperature of the filling is at least 160 degrees.  Allow to cool on pan for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.

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