BRUNCH BRAID

Here's another one of those dishes that will impress guests and is easy to make.  It's a perfect side dish to any brunch. 

Brunch Braid

Makes 8 servings

12 oz pork sausage (1 package Jimmy Dean maple or sage flavored)

1/2 onion, chopped

1 cup mushrooms, chopped

1 garlic clove, minced

3 oz cream cheese

1.5 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

2 tubes refrigerated crescent rolls

1 egg, lightly beaten

In a large skillet, cook the sausage, onions, mushrooms, and garlic.  Add cream cheese.  Cook and stir over low heat until cheese is melted; set aside.

On two separate greased baking sheets, unroll crescent dough and seal perforations.  Roll into a 12-in. x 10-in. rectangle.

Spoon sausage mixture to within 3 in. of long sides and 1 in of ends. Top with mozzarella cheese.  On each long side, cut 3/4-inch-wide strips 3 inched into center. Starting at one end, fold alternately strips at an angle, forming a braid.

Brush dough with egg. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Note:  No rolling pin?  Use a glass, pop can, or wine bottle.  I've used all of those before and it works.