Raisins are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of baked goods. They add a sweet and chewy texture to any recipe and are a great way to boost the nutritional value of your baked goods.
Classic Raisin Recipes
Oatmeal raisin cookies are a classic baked good that everyone loves. They are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. To make oatmeal raisin cookies, start by creaming together butter and sugar in a large bowl.
Add in eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined. In a separate bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, and mix until a dough forms. Fold in rolled oats and raisins, and mix until well combined. Drop the dough by spoonfuls onto a baking sheet, and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
Raisin Bread
Raisin bread is a delicious and nutritious alternative to regular bread. To make raisin bread, start by mixing together flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add in warm water and mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10-15 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Fold in raisins and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours. Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Let the loaf rise for another 30 minutes, then bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cinnamon Raisin Bagels
Cinnamon raisin bagels are a tasty and easy-to-make breakfast treat. To make cinnamon raisin bagels, start by mixing together flour, yeast, salt, sugar, cinnamon, and raisins in a large bowl. Add in warm water and mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10-15 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Divide the dough into 8 equal parts, and shape each part into a ball. Use your fingers to make a hole in the center of each ball, and stretch the hole until it is about 2 inches in diameter. Let the bagels rise for 20-30 minutes, then boil them in a large pot of water for 1-2 minutes on each side. Bake the bagels at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Raisin Bran Muffins
Raisin bran muffins are a healthy and delicious breakfast option. To make raisin bran muffins, start by mixing together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and raisin bran cereal in a large bowl.
In a separate bowl, mix together milk, egg, oil, and honey. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined. Fold in raisins and mix again. Spoon the batter into a muffin tin lined with paper cups, and bake at 375°F for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Raisin Bread Pudding
Raisin bread pudding is a comforting and delicious dessert that is perfect for cool evenings. To make raisin bread pudding, start by cubing stale bread and placing it in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Pour the mixture over the bread, and fold in raisins. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, and bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes, or until the pudding is set.
Raisin Scones
Raisin scones are a tasty and easy-to-make treat that is perfect for breakfast or a snack. To make raisin scones, start by mixing together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
In a separate bowl, mix together milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, and mix until a dough forms. Fold in raisins, and shape the dough into a circle. Cut the dough into wedges, and place the wedges on a baking sheet. Bake at 375°F for 18-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown.
Raisin and Nut Granola Bars
Raisin and nut granola bars are a healthy and delicious snack that is perfect for on-the-go. To make raisin and nut granola bars, start by mixing together oats, chopped nuts, raisins, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl.
In a separate bowl, mix together honey, oil, and vanilla extract. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, and mix until well combined. Press the mixture into a greased baking dish, and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until the granola bars are golden brown.
Raisin and Carrot Cake
Raisin and carrot cake is a healthy and delicious dessert that is perfect for any occasion. To make raisin and carrot cake, start by mixing together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl.
In a separate bowl, mix together eggs, sugar, oil, vanilla extract, grated carrots, and raisins. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, and mix until well combined. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, and bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
How to Store Raisins
Raisins should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. They can also be stored in the refrigerator or freezer to extend their shelf life. If you are using raisins in baking, it is important to soak them in water or another liquid before adding them to your recipe.
FAQs
Raisins can be used in savory dishes as well, such as in couscous, rice pilaf, and salads.
Yes, raisins are a healthy snack option as they are low in fat and calories and high in fiber and antioxidants.
Yes, raisins can be substituted for other dried fruits such as cranberries, apricots, and cherries in recipes.
Raisins that are bad may have mold or an off smell. It is important to inspect the raisins carefully before using them in a recipe.
While raisins can last for a long time, it is best to use them before their expiration date for the best quality and taste. If the raisins have been stored properly, they may still be usable after their expiration date, but it is important to inspect them carefully before using them.
Conclusion
Raisins are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes. From oatmeal raisin cookies to raisin bran muffins to raisin and carrot cake, there are many different ways to incorporate raisins into your cooking and baking.
When selecting raisins, be sure to choose high-quality, plump raisins that are free from mold and other defects. And when storing raisins, keep them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator or freezer for longer shelf life.
