Raisin Bread is a traditional American recipe for a classic yeasted tea bread flavoured with raisins. The full recipe is presented here and I hope you enjoy this classic American version of: Raisin Bread.
In a large bowl mix together the water, yeast, raisins, sugar and salt. Stir to dissolve the ingredients then cover the bowl and set aside for five minutes to allow the yeast to activate. After this time stir in the flours, using a heavy wooden spoon (if desired add 1 tbsp home-made dough enhancer. By the end the dough should become too stiff to continue stirring easily.
Now add a little more flour and use your hands to bring the mixture together then begin kneading. Continue kneading and adding flour until the dough is smooth and elastic. Bring the dough together as a ball, transfer to a greased bowl then cover and set aside in a warm place for about 60 minutes, or until doubled in volume.
After this time, uncover the bowl then sprinkle a little flour over the top before knocking the dough back and kneading lightly. Shape the dough into a rough loaf then place in a greased loaf pan. Cover with a damp towel then set aside to rise for about 60 minutes.
Remove the towel and transfer to an oven pre-heated to 175°C. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until cooked through and nicely browned (the base of the loaf will sound hollow when tapped). Allow to cool in the tin for 5 minutes then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
This is best toasted and served with plenty of butter.
