Irish Barm Brack Bread

Place the raisins in a bowl and cover them with water or liquor to hydrate them.

In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and spices. Mix everything well.

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the butter, cut into small pieces.

Using your hands, mix the butter into the dry ingredients until you achieve a crumbly texture.

Beat the eggs and mix them with the warm milk.

Gradually incorporate this mixture into the dry ingredients, kneading until you achieve a smooth and homogeneous dough.

Drain the hydrated raisins and add them to the dough, mixing well to distribute them evenly.

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead until smooth.

Place the dough in a bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise until it doubles in size.

Once the dough has risen, knead it lightly to release the air and shape it into a round loaf.

Place it on a baking sheet that has been greased and floured.

Let the dough rise again for about 30 minutes in a warm place.

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).

Bake the bread for approximately 50 minutes, or until it is golden brown and fully cooked.

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely.