Whole Wheat Cinnamon Raisin Bread

1.The first step is to plump your raisins. Raisins are kind of hard and dry, you don't want that in your soft bread! I put my raisins in some warm water and just let them sit out for 10-15 minutes. You can also use another liquid for added flavor- like rum! Rum raisin bread? I just went there ;)

2. Combine 1.5 cups of whole wheat flour, yeast, sugar, salt, cinnamons and raisins. Whisk dry ingredients together until just combined.

3. Combine your applesauce and your 1/2 cup of water in a small pot. Bring to a simmer on the stove. This is going to be the warm liquid that 'activates' your yeast. Remember- if it's too hot, you will kill your yeast.

4. Slowly combine the warmed up applesauce+water combo with the dry ingredients.

5.Add the remaining 1.5 cups of whole wheat flour to your wet dough. Add this in slowly, about a half a cup of flour at a time.

6. Cover your bowl of dough with a towel. Leave your dough to rise for 1 hour to 1 hour and a half. If you have an oven with an oven light, you can turn the oven light on and put the bowl in there, the light creates a warm environment perfect for the yeast.

7. Transfer your dough to a sprayed loaf pan. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375 degrees.

8. Bake the loaf of bread for 40-45 minutes. Again, technically bread should sit for half an hour before being sliced..however, warm cinnamon raisin bread is awesome. Go for it!