Bready Bears

I have tried to avoid baking bread as much as possible but there comes a day when one must face their fears! Bread puts the fear of god through me. However I figured if I could make it fun it might not be so bad. Introducing bready bears my solution.

Ingredients

1 pack of yeast -The same stuff used for pizzas. See I've saved you looking puzzled in the baking aisle like me. 

1 - 1 1/2 cups of warm water - its recommended 110 degrees but I'm too cheap to buy a thermometer instead I stuck my finger in and tested for warmer than tepid.

1/2 cup of warm milk -Same genius temperature check of course.

3 Tbsp butter softened.

3 Tbsp caster sugar.

2 Tsp salt.

5 1/4 - 5 3/4 cups of plain flour.

12 raisins.

1 egg.

1 Tbsp cold water.

Method

1. In a gigantic bowl dissolve a sachet of yeast in warm water. Add milk,butter, sugar, salt and 3 cups of flour. Beat until smooth. 

2. Stir in the rest of the flour until a stiff dough forms.

3. On a floured surface get the guns out (strong arms) and knead for approx 8 minutes. Pop it into a bowl greased of course and cover with cling film. 1 hr later it should have doubled in size.

4. Uncover the dough and punch the air out. I got to admit its great fun. Then divide into 4 sections. 

5. Cut 1 ball into half shape balls. Cut another into 14 pieces.  

6. On 2 greased baking trays start to assemble. Use the 2 biggest balls as the body. Then the 2halves as the heads. Then position the small balls to make the ears, nose, arms and legs. Cover for another hour to rise.

7. Uncover and cut slits In the ears, eyes, nose & belly button. Insert a raisin in each slit.Glaze with egg.

8. Pop in a preheated oven at 175 degrees for 30 minutes. Remove and cool.