Turkey Bread Centerpiece Recipe

How to make it

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• Pre-heat oven to 350°F.
• Bread Machine Method: Place the ingredients in the pan in the order listed and select the Dough or Manual setting and press start. Check dough after 5 minutes. Dough should form a ball around the kneading blade. If it is too dry, add 1 tablespoon of water; if too wet, add 1 tablespoon of flour at a time. When cycle is completed, remove dough from machine.
• Traditional Method: Dissolve yeast in water (110° to 115°F) and mix in the remaining ingredients. Knead dough 7 to 8 minutes. Cover; let rise until double. Punch down dough, cover, and let rest 10 minutes.
• Frozen Dough Method: Thaw 1 1/2 pounds of frozen bread dough, following manufacturer’s instructions, but keep dough cold.
• To shape turkey: Divide dough in half. Form one-half into a ball and flatten with rolling pin into a 6-inch circle. Place on greased baking sheet.
• Cut remaining half into ten equal pieces; shape into balls. Form eight of the balls into teardrop shapes about 4 inches long. Flatten with rolling pin. Using scissors make clips on sides and top to form feathers. Place around turkey for tail feathers.
• For head and neck, roll one ball into an 18- inch rope. Twist rope; fold in half. Using fingers make a 3-inch vertical indentation in the body. Place rope in the indentation placing fold at bottom. Curve top so it resembles a candy cane, pinching ends together to seal.
• Cut remaining ball into two pieces; flatten each into 2-inch circles. Cut wedges out to form feet. Tuck top of feet under body.
• For beak, take scrapes of dough and flatten. With scissors, cut a diamond shape; fold in half; position in curve of head.
• For eyes, flatten raisin and cut in half. On each side of beak, clip dough with scissors and place raisin in cuts.
• Beat together 1 egg and 1 tablespoon water; using pastry brush, brush entire surface with mixture.
• Let rise 25 to 30 minutes or until almost double. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until golden. (If one area browns more quickly cover with foil and continue baking.)
• Place on cooling rack and let dry at room temperature for several days. Use a picture holder to stand up turkey. Decorate table with turkey surrounded with fall fabric, leaves, wheat stalks, pumpkins and flowers.
• * If you plan to eat the “turkey” as part of your meal, do not let dry, but serve as soon as it is cooled.
• Happy Thanksgiving!!!