Elephant Ears

Directions

1. 1
   Dissolve yeast in 1/4 cup warm water; let stand 5 minutes. Combine flour, 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar and salt in
2. 2
   a large bowl. Cut 1 cup butter into flour mixture with a pastry blender until a coarse meal.
3. 3
   Combine milk, egg yolk and yeast mixture; add to flour mixture.
4. 4
   Chill 2 hours.
5. 5
   Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead 1 to 2 minutes.
6. 6
   Cover and let rest 10 minutes.
7. 7
   Roll dough into an 18 x 10-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface; brush with 2 tablespoons melted butter.
8. 8
   Combine 2 cups sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle 1 cup of mixture over dough.
9. 9
   Roll up jelly roll fashion, starting at long side; pinch long edge (do not seal ends).
10. 10
    Place roll, seam side down, and cut into 18 (1-inch) slices.
11. 11
    Sprinkle a portion of remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture lightly over waxed paper.
12. 12
    Roll each slice out to 1/8-inch thickness, turning over once.
13. 13
    Carefully transfer slices to an ungreased baking sheet.
14. 14
    Spread each pastry with remaining melted butter; sprinkle with remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture and pecans. Bake at 400° for 10 minutes or until lightly browned.
15. 15
    Cool on wire racks.