MELLARK’S WHOLE WHEAT CINNAMON RAISIN BREAD

MAKES 3 LOAVES

Katniss and her family could never have afforded this bread from Mellark’s Bakery. In fact, the Mellarks couldn’t have afforded it themselves. When Peeta revealed that his family ate only the stale breads, Katniss further understood that they weren’t as different as she had believed.

This moist, dense bread is delicious toasted for breakfast. If you like, you can drizzle a simple white icing over the top, but it’s perfectly sweet as is.

1½ CUPS MILK

1 CUP WARM WATER

2 (.25 OUNCE) PACKAGES ACTIVE DRY YEAST

1 CUP RAISINS

1¼ CUP SUGAR, DIVIDED

½ CUP BUTTER, SOFTENED

3 EGGS

1 TEASPOON SALT

8 CUPS ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR

2 TABLESPOONS MILK

2 TABLESPOONS CINNAMON

2 TABLESPOONS BUTTER, MELTED

Scald 1½ cups milk in a small pan, and when it begins to bubble, remove from heat. Let cool.

Dissolve yeast in warm water (110 degrees) in a large mixing bowl. When it is foamy, add the raisins, ½ cup sugar, ½ cup butter, eggs and salt. Stir in the milk. Add the flour gradually to make a dough.

Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for 5 minutes. Put dough in a large, greased mixing bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Allow to rise in a warm place, until doubled in size.

Roll out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, ½-inch deep.

Moisten dough with 2 tablespoons milk.

Stir together ¾ cup sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle mixture on top of the moistened dough.

Roll up tightly; the roll should be about 3 inches in diameter.

Cut into thirds and tuck under ends.

Place loaves into greased 9 x 5-inch pans.

Lightly grease tops of loaves with butter or vegetable oil.

Let rest for 1 hour.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes.

Let cool before slicing.