Sweet French Raisin Bread

Ingredients

• 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast (Equivalent to one yeast cake)
• 0.25 cup Lukewarm water
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 cup Raisins (Stoned and cut in quarters)
• 1 teaspoon Lemon extract
• 2.5 cups All-purpose flour
• 0.25 cup Sugar
• 0.5 cup Milk
• 0.25 cup Butter, melted
• 1 Egg, beaten

Instructions

1. 1Dissolve the active dry yeast in ¼ cup lukewarm water. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. 2In a large bowl, combine the proofed yeast mixture, salt, sugar, melted butter, milk, and beaten egg. Mix well.
3. 3Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead in the raisins and lemon extract.
4. 4Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. 5Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place the loaf in a greased loaf pan. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
6. 6Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. 7Let the bread cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.