BEAR SHAPED FOOD RECIPES

Steps:

• In a large 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 a stiff dough. , Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. , 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 balls in the center of head for nose, and four small balls around body for arms and legs. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour. , 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° for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool. If desired, tie a bow around bear's neck with ribbon.

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 180C / 160C fan oven / gas mark 4.
• Thoroughly grease 3 bear paw moulds or madeleine pans with butter.
• In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar.
• In a separate bowl, mix together flour, cinnamon, cloves, cocoa powder, and nuts. Add to butter-sugar mixture, mixing thoroughly.
• Press dough into prepared pans and bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and the edges are turning slightly brown.
• Allow to cool completely.
• Melt chocolate on a bain-marie (bowl sitting on a pan of boiling water). Hold each cookie by the "heel" and dip the top front end of the "paw" into chocolate, and then place on waxed or parchment paper.
• Insert four almond "claws" into paw while the chocolate is still wet and let the chocolate hardened completely.
• Store covered in an airtight container.