How do you make raisin bread?

Ingredients:

- 3 1/2 cups (450g) all-purpose flour

- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar

- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1 1/2 cups (350ml) warm water

- 1/4 cup (60g) softened unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the bowl

- 1 cup (150g) raisins

Instructions:

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm water and softened butter until well combined.

3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until the dough comes together and forms a ball.

4. Increase the speed to medium and knead the dough for about 5 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic.

5. Grease a large bowl with butter and place the dough in the bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

7. Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll out the dough into a 12x8-inch (30x20cm) rectangle.

8. Sprinkle the raisins over the dough and press them in gently.

9. Starting from one of the long sides, roll up the dough tightly into a log shape. Pinch the edges of the dough together to seal.

10. Place the dough loaf seam-side down into a greased 9x5-inch (23x13cm) loaf pan. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for another 30 minutes, or until it has risen about 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the rim of the pan.

11. Brush the top of the dough with a little milk or water.

12. Bake the raisin bread in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

13. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips:

- To make sure your yeast is active, dissolve it in a small bowl of warm water with a pinch of sugar and let it sit for 5 minutes. If it foams up, your yeast is active and can be used.

- If you don't have a stand mixer, you can knead the dough by hand for about 10 minutes.

- You can use different types of raisins, such as golden raisins or sultanas, according to your preference.

- If you want a sweeter bread, you can increase the amount of sugar in the recipe.