burrito braid

hows your week??  A little busy...?  mine too.  If you are like me you are either preparing for company, getting last minute gifts, entertaining kids out of school. You may need ideas that are fast for dinner and kid friendly too,  you have heard enough whining all day already.   This is what we did a few days ago.  It was a hit.  The idea is simple and can be applied in so many different ways once you learn the technique.

Burrito braid
1 Pillsbury refrigerated pizza dough (in the roll)
1 pound ground turkey/ground beef
taco seasoning (1t chili powder, 1t cumin, 1 T Southwest seasoning,salt pepper)
1/2 onion, chopped
1 can black beans
4 oz. cream cheese softened
1/2 cup salsa
1 cup shredded cheese

• Place dough on cookie sheet and roll out. I have used foil before under it or my silpat, or nothing the others are just for ease of cleaning.
• I browned my meat and onion and seasoned like I would do for tacos.  If you use a packet great, I really like Mrs. Dash fiesta lime  or any other southwest season mix.
•  Spread cream cheese down center third of dough.
• Pour salsa over cream cheese
• Spread meat, beans, sprinkle with cheese 

• On each long side, cut 1-in.-wide strips about 2-1/2 in. into center.

• Starting at one end, fold alternating strips at an angle across filling. Pinch ends to seal and tuck under. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
• Brush with reserved egg. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown

Slice into sections top with sour cream, olives, avocados what ever suits your fancy.
  You could also make this a peanut butter and jelly braid or a BBQ chicken braid.  Use your imagination it is fun!


recipe adapted from The girl ate everything