1/2 c. milk
3 tbsp. sugar
2 tsp. salt
3 tbsp. butter
1 pkg. yeast
1 1/2 c. warm water (105-115 degrees)
6 1/2-7 c. flour
6 raisins
1 egg

Scald 1/2 cup of milk. Stir in 3 tablespoons sugar, 2 teaspoons salt and 3 tablespoons butter. Cool to lukewarm. Dissolve 1 package yeast in 1 1/2 cups warm water (105-115 degrees). Mix milk mixture, dissolved yeast and 3 cups of flour together in a large bowl. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough more flour (3 1/2 cups to 4 cups) to make stiff dough.

On a floured board knead 8-10 minutes. Place in greased bowl. Grease top. Cover, let rise until double in bulk, about 1 hour. Punch down. Divide into 4 equal pieces. Cut 1 piece in half and 1 piece into 14 pieces. Shape into balls.

Place large balls on greased baking sheets for bodies, place medium balls above for heads. Flatten slightly. Pinch seams. Attach small balls for paws, nose and ears. Cover. Let rise until double, about 1 hour. Make indentation on ears. Place raisins for eyes and belly buttons. Mix egg and 1 tablespoon water. Brush bears. Bake at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Cool.