ICED RAISIN BREAD

By KimberlyB

Ingredients

• 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 cups flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 pkg instant dry yeast
• 1/3 cup softened butter
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 1/2 cups raisins, plumped in hot water, then drained
• Cinnamon sugar (1/2 tsp cinnamon & 1/2 cup sugar)
• AMISH BUTTERCREAM FROSTING
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1/3 cup butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 to 2 tablespoons whipping cream

Preparation

Step 1

1. In a large bowl, mix 1¼ cups flour, salt and instant yeast. Add butter and mix for one minute. Gradually add water. Stir vigorously. Scrape bowl and add 3 whole eggs, 1 egg white, ½ cup flour and ¼ cup sugar. Stir vigorously some more.

2. Stir in about 4 cups flour by hand (just enough to make a soft dough). Dough will be sticky. Add raisins and 3 tablespoons cinnamon sugar at this time. Reserve extra cinnamon sugar for other use.

3. Knead dough on a generously floured surface for 8-10 minutes. Place in oiled bowl, turn to coat with oil, cover with plastic wrap and a towel. Place in a warm, draft free place to rise for 1 to 1½ hours.

4. Divide dough into 2 pieces. Punch down dough and press flat to a 12″ x 8″ rectangle. Fold short ends in and roll up loaf starting on long side. Place seam side down on greased baking sheet. Return to warm place to rise for 1 hour.

5. Bake at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes. When cool, frost top of loaf with white buttercream icing.


Directions For Icing

1. In a standing mixer fitted with a whisk, mix together sugar and butter. Mix until well blended.

2. Add vanilla and cream and continue to stir, adding more cream if needed for spreading consistency.