Freaky Ladies' Fingers (halloween)

Total Time: 1 hr 12 mins Preparation Time: 1 hr 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)

Recipe

• 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.