Raisin Vanilla Plaits Recipes

THE BEST NEWFOUNDLAND RAISIN TEA BUNS

Steps:

• I start these in my food processor because it is so fast but they can be made just as easily in a large bowl by cutting the butter in with a pastry blender or just rubbing it into the dry ingredients using your hands like Nan did.
• In a food processor, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.
• Cut in the butter until mixture resembles a coarse meal.
• Transfer to a large bowl and toss in the raisins.
• Make a well in the center of the dry mix.
• Mix together the lemon juice, vanilla and milk.Pour into the well and mix only enough to form a dough ball.
• Roll to 1 inch thickness and cut out buns with biscuit cutter and place on parchment lined baking sheet.
• Bake at 375 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
• Baking time will vary depending on the size of your biscuit cutter. This recipe makes 16 tea buns.

VANILLA RAISIN BREAD (ABM)

Steps:

• Select basic or SWEET setting.
• Special Notes: The recipe calls for 2 tsp of yeast, but I find this way too much yeast- blows the top off the machine!
• This makes a 1 1/2 lb loaf which basically fills my 2 lb machine.
• DO use pure vanilla extract for best results.
• If you don't have the time to soak the raisins ahead of time (I never do) just microwave the raisins and vanilla for 1 minute on high or med-high in a micro-safe bowl.

CINNAMON RAISIN BRAID

Steps:

• 1. In a small bowl add the water and 1 tbsp honey. Stir until dissolved and then sprinkle the yeast over the water. Let sit 5 minutes until the yeast is activated and bubbly. While the yeast is proofing combine the milk, 1/4 cup honey and oil in a large bowl. Mix in 1 cup of flour, 2 tsp cinnamon and the salt. Add the yeast mixture and raisins and stir to combine. Beat in the remaining 2 cups of flour 1 cup at a time until you have a slightly sticky dough. Add additional flour if needed until you have a workable dough. Place the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead 5-10 minutes, until the dough is soft and elastic. Put the dough into a lightly greased bowl and cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap until doubled in size.
• 2. Punch down the dough and divide into 4 equal portions. Divided each of these into 3 equal portions. Roll each portion out into a rope about 10-12 inches long. Pinch 3 of the ropes together at the top and then proceed to braid. Pinch the ends together and place on a baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough. Spray the braids lightly with water and place in a 350 degree oven for 18-20 minutes. While the braids are baking mix the remaining tbsp of honey and 1/2 tsp cinnamon together.
• 3. When the braids are done baking remove from the oven and immediately brush with the honey/cinnamon mixture. Enjoy while still warm and nicely sticky. http://www.thenakedkitchen.com/cinnamon-raisin-braids/

VANILLA RAISIN BREAD

Steps:

• Measure all ingredients except for the raisins and vanilla into your bread machine according to the manufacturer's directions.
• Set your bread machine to bake in the raisin mode.
• Light crust would work well with this bread.
• After starting the machine, place the raisins in a bowl or cup and add the vanilla extract.
• Soak raisins for 1 hour; drain.
• Add the raisins when your machine beeps or signals to add additional ingredients.
• Continue with the baking cycle.