Bready Bears

Combine 2 c. flour and yeast.

Heat milk, sugar, shortening and salt until warm, about 115 degrees F to 120 degrees F. Stir constantly. Add to flour mixture along with eggs, orange peel and orange juice.

Beat with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds, scraping sides often. Beat 3 minutes at high speed. Stir in as much of the remaining flour as you can.

Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead in enough remaining flour to make moderately soft dough that is smooth and elastic, 3-5 minutes.

Place in greased bowl, turn to coat all surfaces. Cover and let rise in warm place until double, about 1 hour.

Punch down. Cover and let rest 10 minutes.

Divide dough in half. On lightly floured surface, roll out one half part to 1/2" thickness. With cookie cutters, cut five 2 1/2" circles; five 2" circles and 25 1" circles. Let dough rest before rerolling. Mix egg white and water.

To assemble each bear, place one 2 1/2" circle (body) on baking sheet. Brush the edge of one 2" circle (head) with egg white, join to body. Brush four 1" circles (arms and legs) with egg white and join to body. Cut one 1" circle in half (ears). Brush flat side, join to head.

Repeat with remaining dough. Cover assembled bears and let rise in a warm place until nearly double, about 20 minutes.

Bake at 375 degrees F, 10-15 minutes. Brush with sugar glaze. Decorate with dried fruit and nuts. Brush over decorated areas with glaze.

For Sugar Glaze: Blend together powdered sugar, hot water, and butter or margarine.