How to make Teddy Bear Bread

Teddy bear bread makes any meal fun for the youngest eaters. This recipe starts with frozen bread dough that you can buy in any grocery store freezer. Then, a little sculpture turns the regular loaf of bread into a splendid teddy bear. It doesn't really take any longer to make this than the plain loaf so why not surprise your family with a delicious treat that says "I love you" just like every teddy bear does indeed.

Things You'll Need

• 2 loaves frozen bread dough
• 1 pastry brush
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup milk
• 3 candied cherries
• 10 raisins
• 1 cookie sheet
• spray on shortening
• kitchen towel

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Spray shortening onto a cookie sheet. Thaw the bread dough underneath a clean kitchen towel until it begins to rise.

2. Use one of the loaves to create the main body of the teddy bear. Roll the loaf into a large circular lump that is about 6 inches in diameter. Place this lump of dough in the middle of the cookie sheet.

3. Divide the second loaf into two equal pieces. Roll one half into a smaller circular lump that is about 4 inches in diameter for the teddy bear's head. Place it on the cookie sheet above the first circle.

4. Divide the remaining loaves into five equal pieces. Roll four of them into logs for the teddy bear's arms and legs. Place them in the correct relationship to the teddy bear's body on the cookie sheet. There should be one piece of dough left over. Divide this into three pieces and roll each piece into a ball. Flatten two of the balls to make the teddy bear's ears. Place them above the head on the cookie sheet. Leave the third ball round and press it on the lower part of the head for a snout.

5. Cover the teddy bear with a clean kitchen towel and allow the dough to rise for about 20 minutes.

6. Mix the egg and milk quickly with a fork. Then brush it onto the dough coating the entire bear. This will cause the bear to brown and glisten as it bakes. Press the three cherries into the dough below the snout for a mouth. Press five raisins in a circle for each eye.

7. Bake in a pre-heated 425 degree oven for 20-30 minutes or until the bread is brown, crisp on the outside and smells done. Serve hot with butter at the next family meal.