JoAn Scothorn, 86, of Miramar Beach, Florida, graduated to heaven on January 14, 2017, where she was greeted by her husband Scotty. JoAn is survived by her children, Martie Parker, Becky Scothorn, Stewart Scothorn, Dr. Mac Scothorn, and brother Doug McDonald, and several grandchildren. JoAn said, “Thank you, I truly enjoyed everyone who was kind to me and our family. I have pleasant memories of Montana’s Bitterroot Valley and Parkersburg, West Virginia.”
There will be no funeral services. She asked that you remember her by serving her original Christmas Tree Bread to your family at Christmas or any time of year.
If you can’t cook, she asks that you take time to savor life’s precious moments and take a friend out for coffee.
JoAn’s Christmas Tree Bread (makes 3 trees)
Preheat oven to 365°
Line cookie sheets with parchment paper
Directions:
Dissolve 2 packages of yeast in 1/3 cup warm water and sprinkle with sugar.
In large bowl beat (with egg beater)
3 eggs until lemon color and fluffed
Then add in
1 cup scalded milk cooled to room temperature
1 tsp salt
½ cup sugar
½ cup unsalted butter melted and cooled
1 tsp to 1 tbsp of grated lemon rind to taste
And yeast, water, sugar mixture
With spoon stir in 5 cups of unsifted flour.
Take out of bowl and knead with additional 1 cup of flour for 10 minutes. Put back in lightly greased bowl and let dough rise 2 hours until doubled in size.
Punch down dough and cut in three pieces. Roll each piece jellyroll fashion, spread dough with soft, slightly melted butter and Filling.
To make Filling:
Mix 1 can almond paste (may add pure almond extract for stronger almond flavor)
½ cup butter
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup slivered almonds
Roll up dough into a firm log. With a sharp knife or dental floss cut into rolls about 2 inches long. Form a tree with the rolls on a baking sheet, by placing one roll on top row, then two on second row and three on third and four on forth and five on fifth. Shape bottom roll to make tree base. Let rise 1 more hour.
Lightly brush melted butter on the tree
Bake at 365° 12-15 min until brown
Lightly brush melted butter on the tree after removing from the oven
When cool, cover each roll with frosting
To make Frosting:
Mix ½ cup softened butter with
1- 8oz softened cream cheese and
Sift in powdered sugar to desired consistency
Add touch of vanilla or fresh lemon juice to taste
Family condolences may be sent to 1601 Redcedar Dr., Wylie TX 75098. In lieu of flowers donations may be given to the giver’s favorite charity or by sharing JoAn’s recipe at Christmas.