Cranberry Cream Cheese Braid

Instructions

• In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave orange juice for 30 seconds until warm.
• Add cranberries to juice and let it soak for 10 minutes.
• In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
• Unfold puff pastry, and 1 inch (2 cm) from the top, fill the middle row with cream cheese mixture, and top with the cranberries. Leave 1 inch (2 cm) at the bottom.
• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• With a knife, carefully slice diagonal strips on both sides, leaving 1 inch (2 cm) from the top and bottom.
• Cut off the top and bottom excess pieces.
• Fold the top inch (2 cm) dough onto the filling, then lay the dough in a criss-cross pattern to form the braid.
• Before the last couple strips, fold up the bottom and lay the remaining strips over.
• Whisk an egg and brush it over the top of the braid.
• Add almonds or other nuts.
• Bake for 25 minutes.
• Cut into desired size and drizzle the icing.
• Enjoy!