Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup raisins

Directions

1. In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar in the warm water. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, salt, olive oil, cinnamon and raisins. Add the flour mixture to the yeast mixture and stir until combined.
3. On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth and let rise for 1 hour.
4. After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle. Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the dough and roll it up from one of the long sides. Cut the roll into 1 inch slices.
5. Place the slices in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise for 30 minutes.
6. Bake in a preheated 375 degree F oven for 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Interesting Facts

• Cinnamon Swirl Bread is a popular breakfast item in the United States.
• Raisins add sweetness and texture to the bread.
• Cinnamon is a spice that has been used for centuries for both culinary and medicinal purposes.