- **Whole Wheat Flour** - For a hearty texture and rich flavor.
- **Raisins** - Adds natural sweetness and a chewy, fruity element to the bread.
- **Butter or Margarine** - Enhances moisture content for softness and adds richness.
- **Sour Milk** - Provides a tangy taste and helps in making the bread more tender.
- **Sugar** - Balances flavors and aids in browning.
- **Yeast** - Leavening agent that gives the bread its rise and light texture.
- **Eggs** - Adds structure, richness, and moisture to the dough.
- **Salt** - Enhances overall flavor profile of the bread.
- **Vanilla Extract** - Optional but can add a delightful aroma and flavor (SEO-friendly keyword: "vanilla-flavored anadama raisin bread").
- **Raisin Pieces** - For a mix between whole and chopped raisins, adding variety in texture.
Incorporate these ingredients to craft a delicious anadama raisin batter bread that will appeal to a wide audience.
Steps
### Anadama Raisin Batter Bread Recipe
Anadama bread is a popular New England staple made famous by its distinctive texture and flavor profile. This recipe incorporates raisins into an anadama batter bread, adding a sweet, chewy element that pairs perfectly with the traditional bread's soft, pillowy texture.
#### Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 packages (4 1/2 to 5 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup raisins
#### Equipment Needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Bread pan
- Cooling rack
### Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Prepare the Dough:**
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Mix well.
- In another container, mix together the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. **Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:**
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring continuously until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
3. **Incorporate Raisins:**
- Once the dough is well-kneaded, gently fold in the raisins evenly.
4. **First Rise:**
- Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. **Shape the Bread:**
- Punch down the risen dough to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into two equal portions if you plan on making individual loaves or keep it whole for a single loaf.
- Shape each portion gently and place it into a bread pan, seam side up.
6. **Second Rise (Optional):**
- Cover the bread with a towel and allow it to rise again in a warm location until nearly doubled, about 30 minutes to an hour.
7. **Bake:**
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the bread pan on a baking sheet for easy removal.
- Bake the bread for 45-55 minutes or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
8. **Cooling and Serving:**
- Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to fully cool. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy at the bottom.
### Tips for Success
- Ensure that your yeast is active by checking its expiration date and testing it with warm water.
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and consistency.
- For extra flavor, you can sprinkle a bit of coarse sea salt or sesame seeds on top before baking.
#### SEO Keywords:
- Anadama bread recipe
- Raisin batter bread
- New England bread
- Homemade anadama bread
By following these steps, you’ll create a delicious and inviting anadama raisin batter bread that is sure to be a hit in your household. Enjoy the process of baking this classic treat!