Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Bread (+ 4th of July Picnix Ideas)

FIRST AND FOREMOST, HAPPY 4TH, HOMEDOGGIES. HELL YEAH AMUURRRICA.

July 4th has always been one of my favorite holidays. Yes, I love America. Yes, I believe that all powers of evil and communism can be destroyed by the sharp and mighty talon of the bald eagle. Still, one of the best things about July 4th is the patriotic, sweltering-heat, sucking-watermelon-for-hydration cookout/picnic. While I believe that a good number of my recipes would be good for July 4th cook-outs, I decided to throw this guy on here for good measure cuz it’s always the right time for cinnamon raisin swirl bread in my book! Amiright?!??!

Anyway, this stuff is real dope. If you can convince yourself to turn on the oven (I know it might be hard), IT’S WORTH IT. Who ever said things should be easy. Hard work is the american way!!111!!!! But srsly, never had I ever made bread before but this is super easy and fun. Do it.

• 1 package active dry yeast (25 oz)
• 1/4 cup warm water (105º to 115ºF)
• 2 cups warm soy or almond milk (110 to 115ºF)
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 5 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups raisins
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon water

1. In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Add the soy/almond milk, 1/3 cup sugar, oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Beat until smooth. Add the raisins and remaining flour and mix to incorporate. Doughhhh yeah!

2. Flour a clean surface (I say clean because my kitchen counter is always a little questionable); knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl and turn once to get the top greased. Cover and place in a warm place to let it rise (about 75 mins). It will be ready when it looks about double its original size.

3. PUNCH DOUGH DOWN. Best part by far. On a lightly floured surface divide in half. Roll each half into a roughly 15” x 7” rectangle. Combine the cinnamon and remaining 1/2 cup of sugar and spread generously over the dough. Add a sprinkle of water then roll ‘er up jelly roll-style. Place them in a shallow baking dish (you should have two of those puppies in the pan side by side). Cover and let rise until doubled, about one hour. Somewhere in that hour start preheating your oven to 350º

4. Pop those lil guys in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown. I took mine out after 30 and they were still a bit undercooked in the middle but in just the right way, you know what I mean? Gooey goodness, I highly recommend it. Remove loaves from the pan and place on a wire rack until completely cool.

Grab a friend or family member and make a night of it! Enjoy with almond or peanut butter, jam, earth balance, honey/maple syrup, sliced bananas… honestly you can’t go wrong with this stuff. NUMZ