INGREDIENTS:
• 4 cups flour
• 1/4 lb. butter
• 1/2 cup Crisco® shortening
• pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 1 pkg. dry yeast
• 1/4 cup Mahdzoon*
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds or poppy seeds

*See Making yogurt from scratch in "Soups" or use plain yogurt

PREPARATION:

• Dissolve the yeast in the warm water.  In a large mixing bowl,    mix together the flour butter salt and shortening.  Blend in the   mahdzoon and yeast and knead until you have a smooth, soft   dough.    Let dough rise for 1/2 hour.  Knead again,  then take a handful   of dough and roll into a 1/4 inch diameter and about 12 inches  long [Makes about 15-20]. Bend in half and crossover braid.    Flatten slightly. Place on a baking sheet.  Beat the egg in the   tablespoon of milk and brush the sticks.  Sprinkle sesame seeds   or poppy seeds on the sticks and bake in a preheated 350 degree   about 20 minutes or until golden brown.  Let cool and serve.