Turtle Bread

1 (.25 ounce) package instant yeast

1 tablespoon white sugar

½ cup warm water (110 degrees F)

½ cup hot milk

1 tablespoon butter

1 egg

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

¼ tablespoon raisins for decorating

In a small mixing bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.

Heat the milk in a small saucepan until it bubbles, then remove from heat. Add the butter and stir until melted; let cool until lukewarm.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture with the cooled milk, butter, egg, 2 cups flour and salt; beat well to combine. Add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring well after each addition. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and supple, about 8 minutes. Cover dough and let rest for 10 minutes.

Divide dough into seven pieces. One round 2 inches in diameter, five rounds 1 inch in diameter and the remainder in one large round.

Place the large round on a lightly greased cookie sheet and flatten slightly. Shape four of the 1 inch rounds into feet and one into a tail for the turtle. Shape the two inch round into a head for the turtle Attach each piece by flattening the end which attaches to the body, wetting it slightly with water and pinching it under the turtle s body . Press raisins into the turtle s head for eyes .

Cover the turtle with as damp cloth and let rise for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

With a sharp knife, make crisscross cuts in the turtle s body to make the shell . Finally, use a scissors to make a cut for the turtle s mouth. Bake at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown.