Homemade Molasses Raisin Bread
2 pks yeast
2 tsp sugar
1 1/2 cups warm water ( 100-110 degrees is perfect for yeast)
Dissolve sugar in the water , sprinkle yeast over the top, give a little stir to moisten all the yeast. Let develop for 10-12 minutes.
8 - 10 cups all purpose flour ( have extra ready)
1/3 cup sugar
1 Tbsp salt
1 Tbsp cinnamon
2 cups raisins
2/3 cup molasses
1/2 cup butter - melted
4 cups warm water
In a large bowl put in about 5 cups of the flour, sugar, salt & cinnamon, stir until all combined. Pour in your water,molasses, shortening, butter & yeast mixture. Mix this all together, it will be very wet sort of like oatmeal .Add your raisins. Now start adding the remaining flour mixing well after each addition. Keep adding until your dough comes together in a nice firm but soft, smooth dough. Knead for a good 10 - 12 minutes. Clean down the edges of your bowl, grease your dough with butter, cover with a clean, lint free cloth ,put in a warm place to rise for about 1 1/2 hours. Knead down the dough, degrease, cover again & let rise another 11/2 hours . Divide dough . Put 3 buns in each greased pan. Cover and let rise until double , about another 11/2 to 2 hours. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 – 40 minutes.
Remove from pans immediately and put on a cooling rack. Grease the top with butter. Cool at least 30 minutes before cutting.
Should get 4 or 5 loaves maybe an extra bun if the dough rises good.