Recipe: "Monkey Bread" or
Mother Winter's Wish Bread
Ingredients-
- 2 TBS. dry yeast
- 1/3 C. warm water
- Sprinkle of Sugar
- 1 C. milk at room temp.
- 1/2 C. brown sugar
- 4 TBS. softened butter
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp. salt
- 4 1/2 - 5 1/2 C. flour
- 1/2 C. raisins or other pieces of dried fruit, optional
GLAZE Ingredients-
- 1/4 C. butter
- 1/4 C. packed brown sugar
- 1/2 C. chopped walnuts or pecans, optional
1. Mix the yeast into the water, sprinkle sugar, let set until foamy.
2. Mix the milk, sugar, butter, eggs, and salt together in a large bowl. Add the foamy yeast.
3. Stir in the flour, one cup at a time until stiff.
4. Turn out onto a lightly-floured board and knead until the dough is soft and pliable.
5. While kneading the dough, feel free to sing the "Wish Bread Song" by Starhawk.
6. Oil a bowl, put in the dough, turn it over and cover the bowl with a moist tea towel. Let it rise until doubled.
7. Meanwhile, make the glaze by melting the butter and brown sugar together over low heat.
8. Butter a bundt or tube pan.
9. Pour 1/3 of the glaze into the bottom of the pan.
10. Gather the children around the table and have them tear off pieces of the dough about the size of golf balls, and
ask them to think about their wishes for the coming year. They can share their wishes for the coming year. They can share
their wishes, but silence is fine. Have them place a raisin or piece of dried fruit inside each ball to represent their wish.
Encourage them to finish each wish with the following condition: "If that's what is best for me."
11. Lay half the balls evenly around the bottom of the pan.
12. Pour another 1/3 of the glaze on top of the balls.
13. Fill the remaining portion of the pan with the rest of the balls.
14. Pour the remaining glaze over the top.
15. Cover the pan again with a damp tea towel and let it rise until 80% doubled.
16. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 45 minutes.
17. When done, allow to cool in pan before serving. This is finger food so provide plenty of napkins!
