Bread Dough

• Place 1 ¾ cups warm water (120°-130° F) in mixing bowl. Sprinkle yeast on top and allow to activate for about 10 minutes.
• Put the Salt and 2 cups of flour into food processor and pulse to mix (5 – 6 times).
• Pour in yeast and water mixture and pulse another 5 – 6 times.
• Add olive oil.
• Add remaining flour 1 cup at a time pulsing to mix, scrape the sides of the bowl and continue to pulse until well mixed.
• Turn dough out on to a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic.
• Place dough in an oiled bowl and turn to coat all sides. Cover with a tea towel and place in a warm location to rise until doubled in size, about 45 minutes to an hour.

Filling

• Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl and set aside

Form the Braid

• Punch down dough and divide into 3 equal balls.
• On a light floured surface roll out the dough one ball at a time to about a 12″ x 14″ rectangle. Lightly brush the dough with melted butter.
• Evenly sprinkle with a third of the spice rub, bacon, and cheese. Roll up and pinch the seam shut. Repeat with the other two balls of dough, to form three ropes.
• Brush the sides and tops of the ropes with butter, and sprinkle with more of the spice rub. Pinch the ends of the three ropes together, and braid to create one loaf.
• Transfer into a large lightly greased loaf pan.
• Top with diced jalapeno’s if desired.
• Cover pan with a tea towel and allow bread to rise again for another 45 – 60 minutes.
• Heat oven to 375°F.
• When bread has completed its final rise, place in the oven for 50 to 55 minutes or until top is golden and loaf sounds hallow when lightly tapped.
• Allow bread to cool in the pan before removing.
• Place on a wire rack to completely cool and develop.

Serve

• Enjoy as a side to any dinner. Bread also makes an unforgettable sandwich.

• Heat the oven to 400° F.
• Wash the potatoes thoroughly and peel if desired.
• Cut a flat spot on the bottom of each potato to prevent rolling. Lay chopsticks or wooden spoon handles on both sides of the potato. With a sharp knife make cuts ¼” to ½” apart, cutting down to the sticks but not completely through the potato.
• Cut bacon into 1″- 1½” pieces, and place in between each slice of the potato (if you hold the potato in your hand you can open it slightly like a fan to easily insert the bacon).
• Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil and roast for 30 minutes. Remove potatoes and drizzle with a little more oil and return to the oven for another 30 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
• Remove from oven and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Top with a dollop of sour cream and green onion or chives.