Jack-o’-Lantern Bread
Notes: Follow package directions for thawing bread dough. If making ahead, wrap cool bread airtight and hold at room temperature up to 1 day or freeze to store longer. Reheat (thawed, if frozen), loosely covered with foil, in a 350º oven until warm, 10 to 15 minutes.
How to Make It
Step 1
1
Place loaves in a bowl. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Step 2
2
Punch dough down, knead loaves together in bowl, and shape into a ball.
Step 3
3
Transfer ball to an oiled 12- by 15-inch baking sheet. With oiled hands or a lightly floured rolling pin, flatten ball into an 11- by 13-inch oval. Cut out eyes, nose, and mouth; openings should be at least 1 1/2 to 2 inches wide. (To make small loaves, divide dough into 4 equal pieces, roll into 4- by 6-in. ovals; eye, nose, and mouth openings should be at least 1 to 1 1/2 in. wide.) Lift out cutout dough and bake on another pan or use for decorations.
Step 4
4
Cover shaped dough lightly with plastic wrap and let rise until puffy, about 20 minutes.
Step 5
5
Mix egg with milk; brush over dough.
Step 6
6
Bake in a 350° oven until well-browned, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool on a rack. Serve warm or cool.
Ingredients
2 loaves (1 lb. each) frozen bread dough, thawed
1 tablespoon beaten egg
1 1/2 teaspoons milk
Directions
Step 1
1
Place loaves in a bowl. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Step 2
2
Punch dough down, knead loaves together in bowl, and shape into a ball.
Step 3
3
Transfer ball to an oiled 12- by 15-inch baking sheet. With oiled hands or a lightly floured rolling pin, flatten ball into an 11- by 13-inch oval. Cut out eyes, nose, and mouth; openings should be at least 1 1/2 to 2 inches wide. (To make small loaves, divide dough into 4 equal pieces, roll into 4- by 6-in. ovals; eye, nose, and mouth openings should be at least 1 to 1 1/2 in. wide.) Lift out cutout dough and bake on another pan or use for decorations.
Step 4
4
Cover shaped dough lightly with plastic wrap and let rise until puffy, about 20 minutes.
Step 5
5
Mix egg with milk; brush over dough.
Step 6
6
Bake in a 350° oven until well-browned, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool on a rack. Serve warm or cool.
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