1/2 lb. puff pastry
egg wash, as needed
For each base, roll out puff pastry to 1/8-in. thickness, forming 10-in.-x-12-in. rectangle. Cut 12 12-in.-x-1/4-in. strips, braid to form 4 plaits. Cut remaining pastry in half to form 2 12-in.-x-3-1/2-in. strips; brush edges with egg wash. Lay plaits over egg wash; brush with egg wash. Place on parchment-covered baking sheet; refrigerate for 30 minutes. Brush with egg wash. Bake at 400 degrees F for 5 minutes. Reduce temperature to 375 degrees F; bake until golden. Reduce temperature to 100 degrees F; let dry for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from oven. If center has risen, gently press down so plaits are prominent. Cool on pastry rack.