I got this from my mom and as it was passed from person to person, I don't know where it originated. This is a "sourdough" recipe. It takes 10 days sitting out on the counter, but is absolutely wonderful. My family eats this bread for snacks, breakfast, gives as gifts, a must have for holidays.
02On days 2-5: mush the bag twice daily (remove air first).
03On day 6: add 1 cup milk, 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup flour to the bag and mush to mix.
04On days 7-9: mush the bag twice daily (remove air first).
05On day 10: squeeze contents of bag into large mixing bowl.
06Add 1 cup milk, 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup flour and mix well.
07Measure out 4 (1 cup each) "starters" (these will be used for other batches rather than starting with fresh milk, flour, and sugar on day 1; or you may give them to a friend with a copy of the recipe, but note this takes the place of the day 1 ingredients.) You may freeze the starters for future use if desired (the second day out of the freezer is day 1).
08To the small amount in the bowl add oil, milk, eggs, vanilla; mix well.
09Next add remaining ingredients (except nuts and raisins); mix well.
10Then (if using) fold in nuts and raisins.
11Spray 2 loaf pans with cooking spray.
12Sprinkle generously with cinnamon and sugar.
13Pour batter into pans and sprinkle tops with cinnamon and sugar.
14Bake at 325 for 1 hour or until done. (25 minutes for muffins).