Sweet Easter Tree

Directions

1. 1
   Cut twenty-seven 20-in. pieces of 18-gauge wire. At one end, bring all wires together so all ends are even. Use masking tape to tape wires together at this end.
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   Divide wires into three groups of nine wires each and braid together until 7-1/2 in. from taped end.
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   Divide again into four groups of six wires each and one group of three wires each and braid for 2 inches.
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   Divide into groups of three wires each and braid for 1-1/2 to 2 in.. Fold ends back.
5. 5
   For base, holding the smaller wooden oval centered on top of the larger wooden oval, use a 1/2-in. bit to drill a hole through the center of the smaller oval and a 1/4 in. deep hole into the larger oval. Use tacky (white) glue to glue plaques together with hole centered. Remove tape from tree and tacky-glue into drilled hole in base.
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   In a well-ventilated area, place the tree on a surface protected with newspapers. Paint entire tree and wooden base, applying two
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   or more coats of epoxy enamel spray paint, following manufacturer's instructions. Let dry.
8. 8
   String ribbon through holes in cookies, tying bows 2 to 3 in. above each cookie. Hang cookies on branches, bending wires to
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   hold cookies as desired. Place tree on platter and cover base with
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    Easter grass. Place additional cookies around
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    the base of the tree.
12. 12
    In a bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, water and vanilla. Combine flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture. Cover and chill for several hours. Roll out on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with an egg-shaped cookie cutter (or cutters with other Easter themes such as
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    chicks and rabbits). Make a hole with a straw or toothpick in the top of at least 27 cookies. Place on greased
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    . Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes or until light golden brown. Remove to wire racks; cool completely.
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    For glaze, combine sugar, water and corn syrup until smooth. Depending on how many colors are desired, divide glaze into several
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    small bowls and tint with food coloring. Using a small brush and stirring glaze often, brush glaze on cookies (or leave some plain if desired). Allow glazed cookies to harden for at least 1 hour. Add designs with tinted glaze or decorator's gel, referring to photo for ideas. Allow to dry.