Freaky Ladies' Fingers (Halloween)

startnover's Note:

These are great for halloween parties! We gave them out one year to neighbors and it was so much fun to see their reaction. If you want a twist, make a shorter version and call them Gobblins toes. Just make them shorter and use plain almonds for the toe nails. Sprinkle with dried rosemary "toe hair" and it's complete!

• Total Time: 1 hrs 12 mins
• Prep Time: 1 hrs
• Cook Time: 12 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 48

• 24 blanched almonds (halved lengthwise)
• red food coloring
• 2 cups warm water
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon yeast (scant)
• 5 -6 cups flour
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• 1 large egg
• sea salt (to garnish)
• dried rosemary (to garnish)

Directions:

1. Place a small amount of food coloring in a bowl and with a new paint brush "paint" the almond halves on the rounded side. Set aside.
2. In a Mixing bowl place water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for five minutes to let yeast work.
3. Beat 1 c flour in till combined. Beat in salt and 3-1/2 c flour till combined. Beat till dough pulls away from the sides.
4. Reduce speed and add 1/2c flour (if dough is still sticky add up to 1 c more flour).
5. Knead till smooth.
6. Coat a large bowl with cooking spray and put dough in covering with plastic wrap and put in a warm place to double in size (1 hour).
7. Heat oven to 450.
8. Heat 3 quarts water to boiling.
9. Add baking soda.
10. Lightly coat two baking sheets with pan spray.Divide dough into quarters.
11. Work with one at a time keeping the rest covered.
12. Divide each piece in 12 pieces. On a lightly floured surface roll pieces back and forth into a finger shape, ( 3-4 inches long) make sure to leave a lump for the knuckle.
13. When all 12 pieces are formed transfer to boiling soda water.
14. Poach for 1 minute, using a slotted spoon transfer to a baking sheet.
15. Repeat till all 4 quarters are done.
16. Beat egg with 1 T water and brush over pretzels.
17. Using a sharp knife score each knuckle about 3 times. Sprinkle with salt ( and rosemary if using).
18. Possition the almond nails into place and push down to secure.
19. Bake in oven for 12-15 minutes or till golden brown.
20. Let cool on a wire rack.
21. These are best if eaten the first day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Reviews

[MaryMc]

These were actually tasty, and they looked great! They were a hit at our Samhain celebration.

[dka]

These were fun to make and a good way to get the whole family involved. I had to dilute the food color with water to make it look red instead of dark brown. This is a good healthy addition to a sugar-filled holiday!