Peach Streusel Braid

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Ever since my grandmother passed away last year, my grandfather has been really lonely. And my heart breaks for him. I mean, I can’t possibly understand what it’s like to lose your spouse of 60 years. While I can’t fill that void for him, I can help him by doing things with him and creating new family memories together.

Now, there are a couple things you should know about my grandfather before I go on. First of all, he is one of 11 kids. They grew up in a one room shack with no running water and were only able to stay there because they were workers for the landowners. He fought for our country in the Korean War and endured horrific things he doesn’t even want to discuss with those closest to him. He is one of the hardest workers I’ve ever known. He gives 100% to everything he does and loves being useful.

So for today’s recipe, I decided that I was going to put him to work. And he loved every minute of it. He chopped everything for me, held props, and asked questions about what I was doing throughout the process. It really was nice to share my passion with him. It’s nice when someone is genuinely interested in what you’re doing and wants to help you with the process (and not just eat the end product).

The recipe we made is this delicious fresh peach streusel braided puff pastry. Flaky puffed pastry envelopes warm and gooey fresh peaches with a sugary sweet sauce. This recipe is two of my favorite things: easy and delicious.

This recipe is for this delicious fresh peach streusel braided puff pastry. Flaky puffed pastry envelopes warm and gooey fresh peaches with a sugary sweet sauce. This recipe is two of my favorite things: easy and delicious.

1 egg
1 Tbl water
2 cups fresh peaches (peeled, pitted, and thinly sliced)
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 Tbl flour
1/4 cup pecans (chopped)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 sheet puff pastry dough, thawed (1/2 of a 17.3oz package)
2 Tbl coarse sugar (or granulated sugar)

Heat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water until frothy,
Stir the peaches, brown sugar, flour, and vanilla extract together in a large bowl.
With the puff pastry dough sheet unfolded, place it on a lightly floured surface. With a roll pin, roll the dough smooth out, making it a 14×12-inch rectangle. Place the puff pastry on the parchment paper.
Spoon the peach mixture down the center of the puff pastry, keeping the mixture 2 inches away from all sides.
Sprinkle the chopped pecans all over the peach mixture,
Cut slits 1 inch apart from the 2 sides of the pastry and staying within 1/2 inch away from the peach mixture.
Starting at one end, fold the pastry strips over the peach mixture, alternating sides.
Brush the pastry with the egg wash.
Sprinkle with coarse sugar.
Bake for 25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.