Raisin Bread
Raisin Bread Recipe from Haiti | Ingredients: sugar, water, salt, shortening, flour, egg, raisins
Introduction
Raisin bread is a delicious and comforting treat that is perfect for breakfast or as a snack. The combination of sweet raisins and soft bread is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
History
Raisin bread has been enjoyed for centuries, with variations of the recipe found in different cultures around the world. It is believed to have originated in Europe, where dried fruits like raisins were commonly used in baking.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- Dissolve yeast in 0.5 cup of warm water.
- Let it stand in a warm place for approximately 10 minutes.
- Beat in the sugar, salt, shortening, egg, raisins, and the remaining water.
- Sift the flour and gradually mix it into the rest of the ingredients.
- Knead, shape, and allow the bread mixture to rise in an oiled bowl until it has doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and let it rise again in the baking pan.
- To bake, place the loaf in a cold oven.
- Turn the heat to 400°F (204°C).
- After 15 minutes, reduce the heat to 375°F (191°C) and bake for an additional 25 minutes.
- Remove the loaf from the pan immediately and let it cool on a rack before storing.
Variations
- Add cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced flavor.
- Use whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
- Mix in nuts or seeds for added texture and flavor.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to use warm water when dissolving the yeast to activate it properly.
- Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic to ensure a light and fluffy bread.
- Allow the bread to rise in a warm place to help it double in size.
- Baking the bread in a cold oven helps it rise evenly and develop a nice crust.
Serving Suggestions
Raisin bread is best enjoyed warm with a spread of butter or jam. It can also be toasted and served with a cup of tea or coffee.
Cooking Techniques
Kneading the dough helps develop gluten and create a light and fluffy bread.
- Allowing the bread to rise twice helps it develop a nice texture and flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a different flavor.
- Olive oil can be used instead of shortening for a healthier option.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight for a quicker baking process in the morning.
Presentation Ideas
Slice the raisin bread and arrange it on a platter with fresh fruit for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Raisin bread pairs well with a variety of cheeses, such as brie or cheddar. It also goes well with a glass of milk or a hot cup of tea.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover raisin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply toast the slices in a toaster or oven until warm.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of raisin bread contains approximately 200 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie treat.
Carbohydrates
Raisin bread is a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for your body. Each serving contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Raisin bread contains a small amount of fat, with each serving providing around 3 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of raisin bread contains about 5 grams of protein, which is important for muscle growth and repair.
Vitamins and minerals
Raisin bread is a good source of iron, providing about 10% of the recommended daily intake per serving. It also contains small amounts of calcium and vitamin C.
Alergens
Raisin bread may contain gluten and eggs, so it is not suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.
Summary
Raisin bread is a delicious and nutritious treat that provides a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and iron. It is relatively low in calories and fat, making it a healthy option for breakfast or snacks.
Summary
Raisin bread is a delicious and comforting treat that is perfect for breakfast or as a snack. With its sweet raisins and soft bread, it is sure to satisfy your taste buds and provide a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and iron. Enjoy this homemade bread with a spread of butter or jam for a delightful treat.
How did I get this recipe?
I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Raisin Bread. It was a crisp autumn morning, and I was visiting my dear friend Mary in her cozy little cottage by the woods. Mary was always a fantastic cook, and that day she had decided to bake a loaf of raisin bread. The sweet aroma of cinnamon and raisins filled the air, and I couldn't wait to learn her secret recipe.
As Mary pulled out her mixing bowls and ingredients, she began to tell me the story of how she came across this recipe. She explained that she had learned it from her own grandmother, who had passed it down to her many years ago. The recipe had been in their family for generations, and Mary had perfected it over the years.
I watched in awe as Mary expertly mixed the flour, sugar, and yeast together, creating a soft dough that she kneaded with gentle hands. She then added the plump raisins and a generous sprinkling of cinnamon, filling the kitchen with the most delightful scent. As she shaped the dough into a loaf and placed it in the oven, I knew that this bread would be something truly special.
After what seemed like an eternity, the timer on the oven finally beeped, and Mary pulled out the loaf of raisin bread. It was a beautiful golden brown, with plump raisins peeking out from the top. The crust was crunchy, and the inside was soft and fluffy, with a burst of sweetness from the raisins.
As we sat down to enjoy a slice of warm raisin bread slathered in butter, Mary shared with me the story of how she had first learned to make this bread. She had been a young girl, just like me, watching her grandmother in the kitchen as she measured and mixed, kneaded and shaped. Mary's grandmother had taught her the importance of patience and precision when it came to baking, and those lessons had stayed with her throughout her life.
I felt a sense of nostalgia as Mary spoke, remembering my own grandmother and the many recipes she had passed down to me. Just like Mary, I had learned the art of cooking from a young age, watching and helping my grandmother in the kitchen as she whipped up delicious meals and treats.
After that day, I knew that I had to learn Mary's recipe for raisin bread. I begged her to write it down for me, and she did so with a smile, passing on the tradition to another generation. I took the recipe home with me and tried my hand at making the bread myself, following Mary's instructions to the letter.
The first time I made the raisin bread, it didn't turn out quite as perfect as Mary's. But I didn't give up. I kept practicing and tweaking the recipe, adding a pinch more cinnamon here, a little extra sugar there. And slowly but surely, I began to master the art of baking this delicious bread.
Over the years, I have made Mary's raisin bread countless times, sharing it with friends and family who have all marveled at its deliciousness. Each time I bake a loaf, I am reminded of that crisp autumn morning in Mary's kitchen, and the sense of amazement I felt at learning this treasured recipe.
Now, as I pass on the recipe for raisin bread to my own grandchildren, I hope that they will feel the same sense of wonder and joy that I did when I first saw it. Cooking is not just about following a set of instructions, but about creating something special with love and care. And that, to me, is the true beauty of baking.
Categories
| Haitian Recipes | Haitian Snacks | Raisin Bread Recipes | Raisin Recipes | Yeast Recipes |