Pagnotta Sweet Raisin Bread Food

PAGNOTTA (SWEET RAISIN BREAD)

Steps:

• In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in lukewarm water. When yeast has foamed, add the eggs and sugar that have been beaten together. Add anise, grated rinds, and salt. In a large pot, mix flour and raisins. Add yeast mixture to flour, mixing and blending to form a dough. Rub olive oil over dough and set covered out of draft to rise. In about 2 hours, punch dough down and let rise again. (Oil your hands before handling dough so it doesn't stick). On second rise, divide dough into four pieces. Shape into loaved and place into 4 oiled bread loaf pans. Let rise to double in bulk. Bake at 350 degrees 10 minutes. Loosely cover pans with foil, reduce heat to 300 degrees and bake 20 minutes longer.

SWEET RAISIN NUT BREAD (FOR BREAD MACHINE)

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in the order given.
• Select white bread and push start.

SWEET BREAD WITH RAISINS

Steps:

• Soften yeast in 1/2 cup warm water (add a little sugar to the water). Combine milk, 1/2 cup butter, and sugar in a large mixing bowl and cool to lukewarm. Stir in eggs, vanilla, salt, and the yeast. Gradually add flour, beating well after each addition. Cover and let rise in a warm place until light and doubled in bulk, about 1-1 1/2 hours. Beat down and let rise again until doubled, about 45 minutes.
• Turn batter onto a floured board and knead with your hands. Drain water from raisins and knead them into the dough. If dough is too thin, add a bit more flour. Divide batter into 2 well-greased 9x5x3-inch pans. Let rise in a warm place until light, about 45 minutes.
• Bake in 350 oven for 25-30 minutes or until a deep golden brown. When done, remove from oven and while still warm, brush with melted butter. Bread should be very light and sweet.