How do you chop or ground raisins currants?

* Texture: Raisins and currants are prized for their chewy texture. Chopping or grinding them would diminish this desirable characteristic.

* Purpose: They are usually used as whole pieces in baking, adding sweetness and a burst of fruity flavor.

What to do instead:

* For a more uniform size: If you're looking for smaller pieces, consider buying raisins or currants that are already chopped or use a food processor in quick pulses to chop them. But keep in mind that even a short pulse can change the texture considerably.

* For a fine powder: If you absolutely need a finely ground consistency, you can use a spice grinder or coffee grinder to grind raisins or currants into a powder. However, this is rarely necessary in baking.

Remember: When using raisins or currants in baking, it's crucial to hydrate them beforehand. This helps soften them and prevents them from absorbing all the moisture from the batter. You can hydrate them by soaking them in hot water for 10-15 minutes, then draining them before incorporating them into your recipe.