Bunny Buns

This post is from my Mom. She got the recipe from "The Friend" magazine in the 80's and it is a family tradition every Easter.

1 pkg active dry yeast

1/4 c. warm water

1 c. scalded milk

1/3 c. sugar

1/2 c. shortening

1 t. salt

5 1/2 c. flour

2 beaten eggs

1/4 c. orange juice

2 T. grated orange peel

Soften yeast in warm water and set aside. Blend scalded milk, sugar, shortening and salt. Cool till lukewarm. Stir in about 2 c. flour and beat well. Mix in eggs and stir in softened yeast. Add orange juice, orange peel and remaining flour to make a soft dough. Let stand 10 minutes.

Knead dough 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a lightly greased bowl, turning once to grease surface. Cover, let rise in warm place till double in size (about 2 hours).

Punch down, cover and let stand 10 minutes. To start bunnies, roll dough into 1/2" thick rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Cut dough into strips about 1/2" wide and roll between hands to smooth. Shape into bunnies.

Cover bunnies and let rise in warm place till nearly double in size (45-60 minutes). Bake at 375 degrees for 14 minutes. Frost while warm with sugar glaze.

Punch raisins down where eyes should be.