Apple Raisin Bread - cooking recipe

Ingredients

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

Preparation

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 apples, raisins and lemon juice. Divide dough into three parts; knead one-third of the apple mixture into each part.
Shape each into round flat balls. 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\u00b0F for 30 to 35 minutes or until brown sounds hollow when tapped.