Lassy Bread

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 cup lukewarm water
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 2 1/2 cups milk or water
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 6-7 cups flour (all-purpose)
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp mace
• 1 tsp cloves
• 4 cups raisins

Directions:

1. Add the sugar to the water and then use that mixture to dissolve the yeast. Let stand until frothy (10 to 15 minutes). Meanwhile, put the butter and milk in a small pan and heat until the butter melts. Remove from the stove and let cool to lukewarm.
2. Mix the molasses with the yeast mixture, half of the flour, spices and raisins. Mix well. Add the rest of the flour bit by bit until you get a soft dough. Knead for 10 minutes or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
3. Put the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and let stand in a warm place until it is about doubled in size. Now divide the dough in half and transfer to two greased 9x5 loaf pans. Cover with a clean, damp tea towel and let rise again for 1 to 2 hours, or until it doubles again. Bake in a 370 degree oven for 1 hour. The bread should be golden and should make a hollow sound when you knock on it. Remove from the oven and brush with a little melted butter.