MMMMM----- Recipe via Meal-Master (tm) v8.05
 
      Title: BREAD BIRDS
 Categories: Breadmaker
      Yield: 16 rolls
 
MMMMM---------------------------BREAD--------------------------------
  3 1/2 c  Bread flour;*
    1/4 c  Sugar
      1 pk Active dry yeast
      1 ts Salt
    1/4 c  Butter or margarine
    1/2 c  Milk
    1/2 c  Water
    1/2 ts Almond extract
      1    Egg; lightly beaten
     16    Slivered almonds
     32    Currants

MMMMM------------------------HONEY BUTTER-----------------------------
    1/4 c  Butter or margarine;softened
      2 tb Honey
 
  *Watch dough ball to see if adjustments are needed.  I had to add 2
  more tablespoons for my Zoji.
  
  Place all bread ingredients, except almonds and currants, in bread
  pan, select Dough setting, and press Start.
  
  When dough cycle ends, remove to a lightly floured board. Punch the
  dough down; divide into 16 pieces. To shape birds, roll each piece
  into a 10-inch rope; tie into a knot. Cut one end a few times with
  scissors to form tail feathers.  Tuck in the other end of the knot to
  form head.
  
  Place on a greased baking sheet.  Cover and let rise until almost
  doubled, about 30 minutes.  Bake at 350 for 17-20 minutes or until
  golden brown.
  
  Combine honey butter ingredients; brush over the hot rolls. Return to
  the oven for 3 minutes.  With a toothpick, make small holes for the
  beak and eyes. Insert a slivered almond for the beak and currants for
  eyes. Serve with remaining honey butter if desired.
  
  Source:  "A Taste of Country."  Iris Karl of Waynesboro, Virginia
  bakes these special "birds" for guests at her family's inn. "A single
  bird with an upturned beak is 'the sweet bird of youth' for
  birthdays," Iris explains.  "For honeymooners and couples celebrating
  anniversairies, I place two birds side by side. As the dough rises,
  the birds join together and become one."
  
  Meal-Mastered by Joyce Burton.
 
MMMMM