Twist Tree Bread

By Judycakes

Ingredients

• 2 3/4 to 3 c flour
• 1 env yeast
• 1 egg
• 2 T butter
• 1 t salt
• 1/4 c shortening
• 1/4 c sugar
• 1 c buttermilk
• 1/4 t baking soda

Preparation

Step 1

Combine 1 1/2 c flour, yeast and baking soda. Heat buttermilk, shortening, sugar, and salt till warm, stirring to melt shortening. Add to dry ingredients. Add egg. Beat at a low speed 30 seconds, scraping bowl constantly. Beat 3 mn at high speed. Stir in enough flour to make moderately stiff. Turn onto floured board; knead 5 mn. Cover; let rest 10 mn. Halve dough; roll one half to 14x6" rectangle. Spread with 1 T butter; sprinkle with 1 T red sugar crystals. Fold in half to make narrow rectangle. Cut into 14 1" strips. Twist each one; arrange on greased baking sheet in tree shape. Repeat with the other half using green sugar crystals. Let rise 1 hour. Bake at 375° for 15 mn. Frost with confectioners icing if desired.
*Arrange like a tree.