I have made rings and wreaths but no braids yet. The "All the Best" cookbook has great directions and photos on how to do all three.

Here are the braid instructions:

1) Unroll 2 (8-ounce) packages refrigerated crescent rolls; do not separate. Arrange dough on Rectangle Stone with the longest sides across the width of baking stone. Roll dough to seal seams. (the photo shows the dough covering the entire surface of the stone)

2) Starting on the longest sides of baking stone, cut sides of dough into eight strips, about 1 1/2 inches wide and 3 inches long. Using large scoop, scoop filling evenly over center of dough. (photo shows filling being placed on center section of dough and on either side there are the slits made into the dough. The center is not cut into strips)

3) Starting at one end, lift one strip of dough; twist one turn and lay across top of filling. Repeat, alternating strips of dough to form a braid. Fold bottom edges of dough up at ends of braid. Continue as recipe directs. (photo has half the strips folded over the center of the filling like a braid)

I don't have the APCS so I can't help you there. I love the little Quikut paring knives. I also have, and LOVE, the apple wedger, my whole family are apple freaks.

Best of luck on your first show, with all the prep you've been doing you'll be fine!

 

I actually think the braid is easier than the ring. The turkey cranberry twist and the lemon herb are my favorite.

 

Save the "something specials" for later

I wouldn't recomment using your first show as a place to try something different. You are going to be nervous enough about just doing the show, you don't need to be nervous about the recipe as well. Remember that you want to focus on the products not the recipe. At my first show, those people knew every stinking item that went into the Taffy Apple Pizza....but I don't think I mentioned the stone once....lol! Regardless of what you choose to make, be ready to poke a little fun at yourself if you goof up!