Golden raisin bread (Mellow Bakers - January)

The second January bread for Mellow Bakers is golden raisin bread. We aren't big fans of bread with fruit in it; we didn't like any of the fruit breads from the BBA Challenge...cinnamon raisin walnut bread, cranberry walnut celebration, panettone, and stollen all ended up on the Not Likely to Bake Again list.

This one started with a liquid levain build; I got Austin out a few days early, as he had not been refreshed in a very long time. It didn't take him long to get back on track.


The second day was pretty easy. Mix bread flour, whole wheat flour, water, oats, salt, yeast, and the liquid levain together. Then add the raisins. My standmixer was not at all interested in incorporating the golden raisins, so I ended up kneading them in by hand. Then a rise, shape, and rise again. The proofs took a bit longer, as it's really cold here again.


Surprisingly, we actually really enjoyed this bread! Hubby and I ate it warm out of the oven with butter last night, and had some toasted with butter for a second breakfast this morning. I love the combination of the slightly sour flavor, hint of whole wheat and oatmeal, and slightly sweet raisins. We actually might make this one again! Check out what other Mellow Bakers are making this January!