Braided Apple Strudel

The recipe below includes my adjustments.

For the Apple Filling
3 medium-size Granny Smith apples
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons lemon juice

For the Bread
1 package puff pastry

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin slices, then cut the slices in half. Toss the apple pieces with the sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Bake the apple filling in an 8-inch square baking pan (or 9-inch pie tin) for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside.Turn the oven up to 400. Spray a rolling pin with cooking spray and roll the puff pastry out into a large rectangle, about 12-inches by 16-inches in size. Lift onto a greased baking sheet. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut each side into strips about 1-inch wide down each side, leaving the center third of the dough uncut. Spread the apple filling down the middle third of the dough. Fold strips of dough into the center, crisscrossing the filling by alternating strips from each side. Lightly press ends to seal, and straighten out the braid with your hands, if necessary, to straighten. Bake the braid in the oven for 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let the braid cool for several minutes. Slice and serve.

Original Recipe and Photo Source:  http://www.eatliverun.com/apple-braid/#more-24074