Teddy Bear Bread

Hello! I have to say that I am very happy with the emails and photos I have received from readers that have made the Mandarin cake. I am so glad that you liked it and that it was a success in many of your homes. Thank you all for you your wonderful and grateful emails. Today I baked a TEDDY BEAR BREAD. I’ve had this bread recipe for a while and I finally got to taste it. This bread has a good crumb and great taste.

Different from what it is customary to give around this time, I think this particular homemade bread is a good alternative to show some love to a dear one or friend. The following recipe's yield is two breads, so you can give one and eat the other. This bread recipe is also ideal to serve on children birthdays or in baby showers. I hope you like this idea and make it with great success. If you do I would LOVE to see your photos on our facebook wall.

En español: AQUÍ

I thank my husband for helping me knead this bread. He makes every bread we make taste better :)  Enjoy this very short video of the process.

Teddy Bear Bread

(Taste of Home's Breads)

Ingredients:
1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1 ½ cups warm water (110˚F 115˚F)
½ cup warm milk (110˚F 115˚F)
3 teaspoons butter or margarine, softened
3 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons salt
5 ¼ to 5 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
12 raisins
1 egg
1 tablespoon cold water
Ribbon, optional


Preparation:
1. In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the milk, butter, sugar, salt and 3 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form stiff dough. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.

2. Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into four portions. Cut one portion in half; shape into balls. Cut another portion into 14 pieces; shape into balls. Shape remaining two portions into balls. To form bear body, place each large ball in the center of a greased baking sheet. Place a medium ball above body for head; flatten slightly. Place two small balls on each side of head for ears. Place one small ball in the center of head for nose, and four small balls around body arms and legs. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.

3. With a sharp knife or scissors, cut slits for ears, eyes, nose and belly button. Insert raisins into slits. Beat egg and cold water; brush over dough. Bake at 375˚F (190˚C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool. If desired, tie a bow around bear`s neck with ribbon.

Yield: 2 loaves.

En español: AQUÍ

Sent to Yeastspotting.

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear. ~ 1 John 4:18