Beef 'N' Cheese Braid - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 (1/4 oz.) pkg. active dry yeast
3/4 c. warm water (110~ to 115~)
1/4 c. butter or margarine, divided
2 3/4 to 3 c. all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 egg
1/2 c. shredded dried beef
1/2 c. shredded Swiss cheese
1 1/2 tsp. dried basil

Preparation

In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in water.
Soften 2 tablespoons butter; add to yeast mixture with 1 1/2 cups flour, sugar, salt and egg; beat until smooth.
Add enough remaining flour to make a soft dough.
Turn out onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6 to 8 minutes.
Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top.
Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Combine the beef, cheese and basil; set aside.