Spiced Raisin Bread with a hint of maple
By: Julie Cecchini
Published: Saturday, March 22, 2014 - 7:24am

Ingredients




1 cup water (110ºF)
1/4 cup Maple Sugar
1/2 tbsp yeast
5+ cups Organic Sprouted Spelt Flour
1 tsp salt
2/3 cup raisins
2 tsp Chinese 5 Spice

Preparation

1 In a mixing bowl, stir together warm water, maple sugar and yeast. Set aside for 5 to 10 minutes. 2 Stir to melt butter. When the yeast mixture is bubbly, add 3 cups flour, salt and raisins to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed until incorporated. 3 Keep adding flour ½ cup at a time until the dough comes together and is only slightly tacky to the touch. The dough will be very soft and somewhat sticky. 4 Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap and place in a warm place to rise until double in size (about 40 to 60 minutes). 5 Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead the Chinese 5 Spice in by sprinkling a little in top, kneading and turning dough, and repeating the process until all the Chinese 5 Spice is used. 6 Place the ball of dough into a heated pan that you can cover (cast iron is best) and place it in a warm place to rise. 7 When the dough has risen about 2” put it into a preheated 400ºF oven and bake, covered, for about 30 minutes. 8 The crust will be golden brown. If the internal temperature is 200ºF it is ready.  If it is not return to the oven, uncovered for another 10+ minutes as needed. 9 Remove from pan and place on a cooling rack.

About

This recipe has evolved quite a bit over the years.  I love the addition of our Chinese 5 Spice rather than simply using cinnamon.  The subtle addition of a hint of pepper tantalizes and warms the heart on a cold and drizzly day.