CHRISTMAS TREE COFFEE CAKE

Steps:

• 1. Soften yeast in lukewarm water. (Use warm water for dry yeast.)
• 2. Pour scalded milk over sugar, salt and butter.
• 3. Cool to lukewarm.
• 4. Stir in 1 cup flour and eggs.
• 5. Add softened yeast and oats.
• 6. Combine 1/4 cup flour and candied fruits; stir to coat fruits evenly with flour.
• 7. Add to dough; mix well.
• 8. Stir in enough more flour to make a soft dough.
• 9. Turn out on lightly floured board or canvas; knead until smooth and satiny, about 10 minutes.
• 10. Round dough into ball; place in greased bowl; brush lightly with melted shortening.
• 11. Cover and let rise in warm place until double in size, about 1 hour.
• 12. Punch dough down; cover; let rest 10 minutes.
• 13. Divide dough in half.
• 14. From one half, pinch off 17 pieces of dough; shape to form balls.
• 15. Arrange balls in the shape of a Christmas tree on greased cookie sheet.
• 16. Brush lightly with melted butter.
• 17. Repeat with other half of dough.
• 18. Cover; let rise in warm place until nearly double in size, about 1 hour.
• 19. Bake at 375 for about 20 minutes.
• 20. Decorate with confectioners\' sugar frosting and candied citron.