For the past 5 years, my family has invited our little bread bunny to Easter brunch.

Not only is the bread itself delicious and easy to make, but this recipe also gives the bunny a cute face with eyes made out of raisins and teeth made out of almonds.

Making this recipe with my family is one of the highlights of Easter. Everyone loves this little guy!

Ingredients

2 loaves (1 pound each) frozen bread dough, thawed

2 raisins

2 sliced almonds

1 large egg, lightly beaten

Dip of your choice

Directions

Cut a fourth off of one loaf of dough; shape into a pear to form head. For body, flatten remaining portion into a 7×6-in. oval; place on a greased baking sheet. Place head above body. Make narrow cuts, about 3/4 in. deep, on each side of head for whiskers.

Cut second loaf into four equal portions. For ears, shape two portions into 16-in. ropes; fold ropes in half. Arrange ears with open ends touching head. Cut a third portion of dough in half; shape each into a 3-1/2-in. oval for back paws. Cut two 1-in. slits on top edge for toes. Position on each side of body.

Divide the fourth portion of dough into three pieces. Shape two pieces into 2-1/2-in. balls for front paws; shape the remaining piece into two 1-in. balls for cheeks and one 1/2-in. ball for nose. Place paws on each side of body; cut two 1-in. slits for toes. Place cheeks and nose on face. Add raisins for eyes and almonds for teeth.

Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30-45 minutes. Brush dough with egg. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to a wire rack to cool.

Place bread on a serving tray. Cut a 3-1/2-in. circle in center of body. Hollow out bread, leaving a 1/2-in. shell (discard removed bread or save for another use). Place a 1-cup shallow bowl in the hole and fill with dip