Place ingredients in the bread machine pan in the order suggested by the manufacturer. Select Sweet setting and start machine.  Makes one (1 1/2 pound) loaf.

 

* If you don't have time to soak the raisins for one hour you can microwave the raisins and vanilla for 1 minute on HIGH or MEDIUM-HIGH in a microwave-safe bowl. - Cook's Clever Tip provided by Connie Kissel of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

*Webmaster: I have the Cuisinart Convection Breadmaker & I don't know if this made the difference, but I only added 3 cups of flour and the dough was perfect.

With my other bread machines I held back 1/4 to a 1/2 cup of flour, then adding as necessary during the first kneading cycle to achieve a good quality dough. Soft but not to sticky to touch.