Recipe: Monkey Stack Bread

Monkey Stack Bread
rec.food.recipes/Aclionjack (2002)

This is a family favorite for our Christmas Brunch.

1 pkg. dry yeast
3 cups warm water
1 cup sugar
3 tbsp oil
1 tbsp salt
2 large eggs
6 to 9 cups flour
1 cup butter, melted

In a large bowl mix yeast, water, sugar, oil and salt. Add eggs and mix well.

Add flour to wet mixture 2 cups at a time and mix well with each addition. After enough flour has been added to form a smooth elastic ball, let rest for 15 minutes. Then knead for 10 minutes on a floured surface. Place in bowl, cover and let rise for 1 1/2 hours in a warm place.

Punch down dough and form into small (2-inch) balls. Dip each ball in the melted butter and stack in a tube pan. Pour remaining butter over stack.

Bake 1 hour at 350 degrees or until golden brown. A shallow pan with water under the tube pan to catch any drippings is useful to prevent smoke.

While we like the bread this way (great with sausage gravy), the balls can be stuffed with what ever jam or jelly you like. Or layers can be drizzled with a caramel, honey and nut mixture -- VERY RICH.