As the lovable Easter Bilby hops into town, he brings with him not just a basket full of eggs and candy but also a unique sense of excitement and fun. From hunting for chocolate eggs to wearing headbands with floppy bunny ears, Easter is a time when we can all let our inner child out to play! It's a time to gather with loved ones, celebrate the arrival of autumn, and indulge in hearty dishes that have been passed down from one generation to another.
While serving traditional Easter eats like roast lambs with potato and pumpkin should be on your table, adding an element of excitement to your menu will make it extra special. We do not mean that you have to give up your favourite family recipes, but rather, you can shake things up a bit and try something new this year.
Maybe it's time to incorporate fresh, seasonal ingredients into your dishes, go crazy over Mediterranean spices, or experiment with an Asian cooking technique. With a bit of creativity and inspiration, you could even just start by adding some surprising twists here and there to the classic recipes that you already know and love. And speaking of twists, we've got an idea that'll surely make your menu stand out: Sweet Bread Sheep!
Here at We Might Be Tiny, we champion every home cook's creativity, and that’s why we want to share this delicious snack recipe! What we love about this mini roll treat is that it's super easy and fun to assemble. With only a few simple ingredients needed, you can easily make a batch of Sweet Bread Sheep for different occasions. And the design? It will win over both kids and adults alike!
But wait, there's more! Did you know that a batch of Sweet Bread Sheep could be so much more than just a snack? Yes! Baking these treats can be the perfect bonding activity for parents and kids.
With a simple seven-step process, even the littlest kitchen helpers can get in on the fun and learn some basic baking skills, from measuring the ingredients to dumping them in the bowl, and even building the sheep! This can also be a total game-changer for your little ones, teaching them the importance of teamwork, patience, responsibility, and creativity while whipping up some delicious treats!
Ready to breathe life into this seriously cute treat? Grab your apron, round up your little ones, and let the baking adventure begin!
Sweet Bread Sheep Recipe
Makes approx. 25 mini rolls | Prep 2 hours (including 1-hour rising time)
Ingredients
- 1 packet of dry yeast
- 160 ml (⅔ cup) milk of choice
- 85 g (½ cup) raw sugar
- 330 g (3 cups) spelt flour
- 55 g (¼ cup) unsalted butter
- 1 egg, whisked
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp cardamom
- 1 egg, whisked for glazing
- 2 sultanas for eyes
Method
In a small saucepan, combine milk and sugar and whisk until sugar is dissolved.
Add butter and heat gently until melted. Remove from heat and allow to cool to warm (not hot) before stirring in the yeast. Allow mixture to sit for five minutes to ensure yeast is active.
Transfer the yeast mixture to a large bowl. Add spices, egg, and 2 cups of flour and mix until well combined. Gradually add the remaining flour until the dough forms a ball and is no longer sticky.Transfer dough to a large, lightly oiled bowl, cover, and allow to rise in a warm spot for around an hour until doubled in size.
Preheat oven to 170° C and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Knead by hand for a few minutes on a floured surface, then allow to rest for 10 minutes. Divide dough into small, evenly sized balls and place them onto the prepared baking tray in a sheep shape, leaving a larger ball for the head and ‘stretching’ six of the smaller balls for the legs and ears. Push sultanas into the head for eyes.
Place in oven and bake for around 20 minutes or until golden. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
The moment your oven goes "ding!" and you pull out a batch of piping hot Sweet Bread Sheep, it's like magic! Its steam will instantly fill your kitchen with a mouth-watering aroma that'll reel in hungry kiddos and adults! Our advice? Prepare your serving table and plates before you hear those tiny stomps on the floor!
Since this treat will be bigger than one bite, we highly recommend placing it on top of a fun and functional surface like WMBT's Placies, that are perfect for little eaters. Our cute Placie range is made from non-toxic, food-grade silicone and comes in a variety of playful colours and animal designs. Not only do they make mealtime more enjoyable for your little ones, but they're also incredibly versatile, able to withstand both freezing and hot temperatures.
If you've got any leftovers, they're also perfect for snacking on later. To store, place everything in an airtight container like our Stickies to keep them fresh for longer. If you want to keep your leftovers for a longer period, then the best way is to freeze them. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic or foil before storing them in a silicone snack box. Once you're ready to snack on your bread, simply pop it into the microwave, heat it up for a few minutes, and dig in!
Fun Ways To Transform The Sweet Bread Sheep
While the basic recipe already tastes divine, there are so many ways you can put your twist on it and make it truly unique, mums. For instance, you can make other shapes like a wreath for Christmas or add toppings like sprinkles, icing, or chocolate chips to make it even more fun! If you’re gifting it, you can simply add more ingredients and assemble it to suit the theme or occasion.
Want to kick up the Sweet Sheep Bread flavours a little? Serve it with dips to make it even more special! Try our recommended side dips below.
- Cinnabomb - A cinnamon-spiced cream cheese dip with diced apples
- Curry Madness - A spicy curry and yoghourt combo dip
- Cheesy Cha Cha - A jalapeño and cream cheese dip
- Garlic Groove - A creamy and garlicky dip mixed with crushed red peppers and dried parsley
- Tropical Paradise - A dip mixed with ripe bananas, coconut milk, and a squeeze of lime
Ready to up your Easter game further? Whip up winning dishes this year by checking out our latest recipe booklet, Happy Easter! It's filled to the brim with hit recipes that'll delight both kids and adults. From sweet indulgences like Bunny Shortbreads to savoury delights like the Hasselback Potato Nests, this booklet has everything you need to make this year's celebration truly unique. Trust us - you will want to experience all the deliciousness!
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