Cranberry Cream Cheese Braid

• orange juice8 tbsp
• dried cranberry1 oz
• cream cheese4 oz
• sugar1¾ oz
• vanilla extract2 teaspoon
• puff pastry1 sheet
• egg1
• almond slices⅓ cup
• powdered sugar2 oz
• water1 tablespoon

Instructions

1. 1

   In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave orange juice for 30 seconds until warm.

2. 2

   Add cranberries to juice and let it soak for 10 minutes.

3. 3

   In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract.

4. 4

   Mix until smooth.

5. 5

   Unfold puff pastry, and 1 inch (2 cm) from the top, fill the middle row with cream cheese mixture, and top with the cranberries.

6. 6

   Leave 1 inch (2 cm) at the bottom.

7. 7

   Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

8. 8

   With a knife, carefully slice diagonal strips on both sides, leaving 1 inch (2 cm) from the top and bottom.

9. 9

   Cut off the top and bottom excess pieces.

10. 10

    Fold the top inch (2 cm) dough onto the filling, then lay the dough in a criss-cross pattern to form the braid.

11. 11

    Before the last couple strips, fold up the bottom and lay the remaining strips over.

12. 12

    Whisk an egg and brush it over the top of the braid.

13. 13

    Add almonds or other nuts.

14. 14

    Bake for 25 minutes.

15. 15

    Cut into desired size and drizzle the icing.

16. 16

    Enjoy!