1 recipe Classic Brioche Dough
Colored sugars and candies
1 egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)
Lightly dust work surface with flour. Pat dough into a circle. Divide dough into 3 equal pizza-wedge-shaped pieces. Roll or pat each piece into a triangle 6 inches across the bottom, and 8 inches long. Place on greased baking pans.
With scissors, make 2 diagonal 1-inch-long cuts in base to form trunk. Pull dough away from trunk on each side. Make 4 diagonal 1-inch cuts on each side to form the branches. Separate slightly. Cover and let rise 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until almost doubled in bulk.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Brush the trees with egg wash. Decorate as desired with candied cherries, green sugar, or sprinkles (or bake undecorated, and decorate after baking and cooling with icing and dried fruit).
Bake in center of oven 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from pans and cool on a wire rack. Makes 3 trees.
Thursday, December 09, 1999
