1/2 c. milk
3 tbsp. sugar
2 tsp. salt
3 tbsp. butter
1 env. active dry yeast
1 1/2 c. warm water
6 1/2-7 c. white bread flour or all-purpose flour
Oil
8 raisins
1 egg, lightly beaten with 1 tbsp. cold water

2 ribbons, each ribbon should be 3 inches long and 1 1/2 inches wide to dress up for a special occasion. Note: If you decide to cut recipe in half you need only 1 ribbon.

1. Pour milk into pot. Heat over medium heat until bubbles form around edge of pan. Remove from heat. Stir in sugar, salt and butter. Cool to lukewarm.

2. Dissolve yeast thoroughly in warm water. Pour in large bowl.

3. Add milk mixture and 3 cups of the flour. Beat with wooden spoon until smooth. Stir in 3 1/4 to 4 cups more flour or enough to make a stiff dough.

4. Knead dough on floured board for 8-10 minutes. Place in bowl greased with oil. Grease top lightly. Cover with towel. Let rise for 1 hour. Punch down.

5. Divide dough into 4 equal ball pieces. Set 3 balls aside for bear bodies. Cut one of the remaining pieces in small round balls for 4 paws, 2 ears and 1 mouth. Place large balls on greased baking sheet for body. Place medium ball above for head. Flatten slightly. Attach small balls for paws, nose and ears.

6. Cover with towel; let rise for about 1 hour.

7. Adjust rack 1/3 cup from bottom of oven and preheat oven to 400 degrees. Make indentation for ears, eyes, nose and belly button with end of toothpick or point of scissors. Place raisins in the indentation of eyes, nose and belly button.

8. Brush egg glaze on bear. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove from oven and cool on rack. The bear looks very cute with a nice bow around the neck.