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In a large bowl, mix the yeast with ½ cup of milk and sugar.
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Add egg and beat well.
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Add the remaining milk and mix. Set aside for 2 minutes.
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In the bowl of the food processor, combine flour and baking soda.
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Stir in the diced butter with your fingertips.
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Make a well in the flour and add the milk, sugar and egg mixture.
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Knead on low speed until reaching a dough that does not stick.
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Moderately increase the speed, add the salt and knead for 8 minutes.
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The dough should not stick to the edges of the container. Add a few tablespoons of flour if necessary.
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Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place, free from drafts, for 1h30.
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Place the dough on a floured surface and work a few minutes.
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Divide the dough in pieces of about 3 oz.
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Cut a quarter of each piece of dough into a ball to form the head.
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Then shape the rest of each piece of dough into a cylinder and place on the baking sheet. Lightly flatten.
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Using a sharp knife, cut the legs and arms of the mannala.
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Place the head of the mannala above its shoulders and place 2 chocolate chips for the eyes and one for the mouth.
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Place no more than 8 mannalas per baking sheet.
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Cover the mannalas with a slightly damp cloth and let raise in a warm place, free from drafts, again for 30 minutes.
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Preheat convection oven to 430 F.
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Brush mannalas with the egg yolk and milk mixture.
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Place in the oven and reduce oven temperature to 390 F.
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Bake for about 15 minutes.
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The mannalas should be golden brown.