Apple Raisin Bread

Name: Apple Raisin Bread
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 3 loaves.
Cuisine: Comfort Food Bread Recipes, Comfort Food Recipes, Comfort Food Vegetarian Recipes
Ingredients: 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast; 1-1/2 cups warm water (110° to 115°), divided; 1 teaspoon sugar; 3 large eggs, beaten; 1 cup applesauce; 1/2 cup honey; 1/2 cup canola oil; 2 teaspoons salt; 8 to 9 cups all-purpose flour; 1-1/2 cups diced peeled apples; 1-1/2 cups raisins; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 tablespoons cornmeal; GLAZE:; 1 large egg, beaten; Sugar

I've been making this bread for many years. It smells so good in the oven and tastes even better. I make bread almost every Saturday, and it doesn't stay around long with our sons home from college in the summer. —Perlene Hoekema, Lynden, Washington

Ingredients

2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
1-1/2 cups warm water (110° to 115°), divided
1 teaspoon sugar
3 large eggs, beaten
1 cup applesauce
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup canola oil
2 teaspoons salt
8 to 9 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups diced peeled apples
1-1/2 cups raisins
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons cornmeal
GLAZE:
1 large egg, beaten
Sugar

Directions

In a small bowl, combine yeast, 1/2 cup water and sugar; set aside. In a large bowl, combine eggs, applesauce, honey, oil, salt and remaining water; mix well. Stir in yeast mixture. Gradually add enough flour to form a soft dough. Knead on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. Place dough in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch down and turn over in bowl. Cover and let rise 30 minutes. In a small bowl, combine the apples, raisins and lemon juice. Divide dough into three parts; knead a third of the apple mixture into each part. Shape each into a round flat ball. Place each in a greased 8-in. round baking pan that has been sprinkled with cornmeal. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
Brush each loaf with egg and sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until bread sounds hollow when tapped.