Grittibanz Bread

Grittibanz is a traditional Swiss bread that is designed to be shaped into the shape of people. It is sort of like gingerbread men, but with dough bread, not cookie dough.

• Ready In: 2 hrs 30 mins
• Yields: 8 grittibanz

Ingredients

• 4 1⁄4 cups flour
• 1  tablespoon salt
• 3⁄4 cup sugar, plus extra for dusting
• 1⁄2 cup butter, softened
• 1  cup milk, room temperature
• 1  egg
• 2  tablespoons  yeast
• 1  egg, for coating
•  almonds (optional)
•  candied fruit (optional)
•  raisins (optional)

Directions

1. In a small bowl, mix the yeast with a little of the sugar.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour with the salt, remaining sugar, butter, and milk, egg, and yeast.
3. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. Cover and leave to rise to twice the amount in a warm place.
4. Knead the dough again, use a knife to cut off pieces of dough in the desired size and roll out to an oval shape.
5. Shape the dough into the shape of a person, with head, arms and legs.
6. Use almonds, raisins, and candied fruit to decorate the dough. Leave to rise in a cool place for 20 to 30 minutes.
7. Brush with egg and sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes at 350°F.