We know, we know! Raisins don’t appeal to everyone, but maybe you don’t know about some of the exceptional benefits they have!

→ Raisins are VERY good for oral health because of their antibacterial activity. In fact, one of the reasons we use 100% organic raisin juice in our bread is for it’s anti-fungal properties!

→ Raisins are also high in antioxidants and can help the body against free radicals!

→ They have wonderful minerals like iron, potassium and magnesium, which are so nourishing to the body. Potassium helps relax your blood vessels and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Iron, like magnesium, promotes better sleep and also improves metabolism!

→ Raisins are high in fiber! And you know what that means. They aid in digestion and help prevent constipation.

There are many more benefits to raisins and the holidays are a perfect time to create some irresistible dishes using our Cinnamon Raisin Sourdough loaf!

Here are some great plant-based recipes for a nutritious and delicious holiday experience!

Cinnamon Raisin Bread Christmas Breakfast Cake!

1 Simple Kneads Cinnamon Raisin Sourdough loaf

1 cup of your favorite unsweetened nut-milk

2 T. Flaxseeds

1 t. cinnamon, or to your liking

½ t. vanilla

2 T. Maple Syrup or frozen apple juice concentrate

2 granny smith apples, grated

• Cut bread in cubes and place in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
• Blend milk, flaxseeds, cinnamon, vanilla and sweetener until smooth. Set aside.
• Grate apples and mix carefully into bread cubes
• Pour blended milk mixture over bread cubes and apples and stir until well mixed
• Grease cake pan (or muffin pans) and fill with the mixture (for muffins just spoon in with your hands – pile high)
• Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes
• Enjoy topped with your favorite fruit and plant-based whip cream or plant-based butter with maple syrup drizzled on top!

Cinnamon Raisin Orange French Toast!

1 Simple Kneads Cinnamon Raisin Sourdough loaf

2 c. water

½ c. raw unsalted cashews

1 T. vanilla

½ c. frozen orange juice concentrate

½ t. cinnamon or to your liking

1 T. + 2 tsp. ground chia seeds

Dash of salt (up to ⅛ tsp.)

1 T. maple syrup

• Place all ingredients in blender EXCEPT bread (of course) and blend until smooth. Pour batter into a bowl and let sit for a few minutes to thicken. Dip each slice of bread, one at a time. Place bread slices on a hot non-stick skillet with a small amount of coconut oil and lightly brown on both sides. Top with any of your favorite holiday toppings!
• You can also place battered slices into a hot waffle iron and press for an amazing waffle French toast!

Cinnamon Raisin Sourdough Bread Pudding!

6 cups dry Cinnamon Raisin Sourdough loaf (dry in oven at 250 for one hour)

½ cup chopped raw walnuts

1 cup diced apples

4 cups of your favorite nutmilk

¼ cup honey

2 tsp. vanilla

¼ tsp. salt

1 tsp. cinnamon (optional – our cinnamon raisin loaf doesn’t have a strong cinnamon flavor so if you like cinnamon you may want to add more)

1 tsp. orange rind

• Place the bread cubes in a mixing bowl along with walnuts, raisins and apples.
• Mix remaining ingredients together in a separate bowl and then add the bread/apple mixture. Stirring carefully until well mixed.
• Pour into an 8×8 lightly oiled or non-stick baking pan. Bake at 350 for about 45 min. Serve hot!

Sandy K Workman
SK Director of Brand Development