Lassy Bread

Ingredients

• Servings: 2
• 4 cups raisins
• 1/2 cup lukewarm water
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 1 (.25 ounce) envelope active dry yeast
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 6 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground mace
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves

Recipe

Preparation Time: 25 mins Cook Time: 1 hr 15 mins

Ready Time: 13 hrs 40 mins


• place raisins into a heatproof bowl and pour in enough boiling water to cover. cover the bowl with plastic wrap, or a plate to seal; allow to stand overnight.
• dissolve sugar in the lukewarm water in a small bowl. sprinkle yeast over the water and allow to soften and bubble, about 10 to 15 minutes. meanwhile, heat the milk, butter, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat until the butter melts. remove from the heat and allow to cool until lukewarm (105 to 110 degrees f).
• once the milk has cooled, drain the raisins, and add them to the milk. stir in the yeast mixture and molasses. in a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cinnamon, mace, and clove. stir half of the flour into the milk mixture with a wooden spoon and beat for 2 to 3 minutes. add remaining flour and stir until a moist dough is formed.
• place dough on a flat surface and knead until dough becomes smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes, adding more flour as necessary to keep dough from sticking. place into a large, oiled bowl; cover, and allow to rise in a warm, draft-free area until doubled in bulk, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
• lightly oil or grease two loaf pans and set aside. divide dough in half and shape into 2 loaves, place into prepared pans, cover, and allow to rise until doubled in bulk, 1 to 2 hours.
• preheat oven to 375 degrees f (190 degrees c).
• bake loaves in preheated oven 1 hour, or until they are nicely browned and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.