Cinnamon Raisin Bread

• Ready In: 2 hrs 50 mins
• Serves: 30-36
• Yields: 3 8 inch loaves

Ingredients

• 1  package dry yeast
• 1⁄2 cup water
• 1 3⁄4 cups water
• 3  tablespoons sugar
• 1  tablespoon salt
• 2  tablespoons shortening
• 6 -7  cups flour
• 1  cup raisins
• 1⁄4 cup sugar
• 2  teaspoons cinnamon
• 2  tablespoons water

Directions

1. Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water.
2. Stir in 1 3/4 cups warm water, 3 tablespoons sugar, the salt, shortening and 3 1/2 cups of the flour.
3. Beat until smooth.
4. Mix in raisins and enough remaining flour to make dough easy to handle. Turn dough onto lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
5. Place in greased bowl, turn greased side up.
6. Cover; let rise in warm place until double, about 1 hour.
7. (Dough is ready if an indentation remains when touched.) Punch down dough; divide into halves.
8. Roll each half into rectangle, 18 x 9-inches.
9. Mix 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon.
10. Sprinkle each half with 1 tablespoon water and half the sugar mixture. Roll up and place in pans.
11. Brush with butter; let rise 1 hour.
12. Bake at 425 degrees f or 25 to 30 minutes.