Teddy Bears

Total Time: 3 hrs 25 mins Preparation Time: 3 hrs Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup warm water (100 to 110of)
• 2 (1/4 ounce) envelopes active dry yeast
• 3/4 cup warm milk (100 to 110of)
• 1/4 cup butter or 1/4 cup margarine, softened
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 -3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• dates, pieces or raisins, to decorate

Recipe

• 1 place warm water in large warm bowl. sprinkle in yeast; stir until dissolved. add warm milk, butter, sugar, salt, and 2 cups all-purpose flour; blend well. stir in 2 eggs, whole wheat flour, and enough remaining all-purpose flour to make stiff batter. grease top; cover tightly with plastic wrap.
• 2 refrigerate 2 to 24 hours.
• 3 remove from refrigerator. punch dough down. remove dough to lightly floured surface. divide dough into 4 equal portions; set aside 2 portions. shape 1 portion into ball for body. place on large greased baking sheet; flatten slightly.
• 4 divide 1 portion in half; break off 3/4-inch piece, and shape into ball for nose. shape remaining piece into ball for head. attach head to body; pinch to seal. attach nose to head; pinch to seal.
• 5 divide remaining half of portion into 6 equal pieces. shape into balls, and attach to body and head to form paws and ears; pinch to seal.
• 6 press date pieces or raisins into dough for eyes and buttons. repeat with remaining portions. cover; let rise in warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 40 to 60 minutes.
• 7 beat remaining egg with 1 tablespoon water; brush over dough. redefine shapes, if necessary.
• 8 bake at 350of for 25 minutes or until golden.
• 9 remove from sheets; let cool on wire racks.
• 10 you may tie a ribbon on if you like!