A rich bread, great for toasting or simply eating with butter or margarine.
Ingredients
2 1/4 CupsMilk
3TbspButter or Margarine
2PkgsActive Dry Yeast, 1/4 oz each
2TbspSugar
2tspSalt
6 - 6 1/2 CupsFlour
1 1/2 CupsRaisins
1/2CupBrown Sugar
4TbspMelted Margarine (set aside)
Instructions
Heat milk and butter to 125 degrees
Combine raisins and brown sugar and set aside.
Put yeast, salt and half of the flour in a mixing bowl.
Add the milk mixture to the dry mixture and begin mixing with dough hooks or a spoon until all ingredients are blended together.
Gradually add the remaining flour and continue mixing. Dough will become stiff.
Knead with dough hooks until a ball forms and exterior is a bit shiny. Add a little more flour if dough is too wet and won't form a ball. If kneading by hand look for the same indicators.
Place in a greased bowl, turn dough once so that all sides are greased. Cover bowl with a hot damp towel and allow to raise until double. Usually between 30 and 60 minutes
Punch down and turn onto floured board or surface.
Knead dough for a few minutes by hand.
Divide dough into 2 - 4 equal parts depending on the size of loaves you wish to make.
Roll out dough into a rectangle. Turning over at least once
Brush surface with melted margarine.
Spread 1/2 to 1/4 of the raisin mixture on the dough dependent on the number of loaves you are making.
Roll rectangle like a jelly roll, fold over the ends and place in loaf pan or on cookie sheet.
Repeat for each loaf.
Allow to raise until doubled.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees
Bake for ten minutes and then reduce heat to 350 degrees and continue baking for 30 - 35 minutes.
If desired brush loaves with melted margarine and return to the oven for five minutes.