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1
Place raisins into a heatproof bowl and pour in enough boiling water to cover. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, or a plate to seal; allow to stand overnight.
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2
Dissolve sugar in the lukewarm water in a small bowl. Sprinkle yeast over the water and allow to soften and bubble, about 10 to 15 minutes. Meanwhile, heat the milk, butter, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat until the butter melts. Remove from the heat and allow to cool until lukewarm (105 to 110 degrees F).
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3
Once the milk has cooled, drain the raisins, and add them to the milk. Stir in the yeast mixture and molasses. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cinnamon, mace, and clove. Stir half of the flour into the milk mixture with a wooden spoon and beat for 2 to 3 minutes. Add remaining flour and stir until a moist dough is formed.
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4
Place dough on a flat surface and knead until dough becomes smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes, adding more flour as necessary to keep dough from sticking. Place into a large, oiled bowl; cover, and allow to rise in a warm, draft-free area until doubled in bulk, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
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5
Lightly oil or grease two loaf pans and set aside. Divide dough in half and shape into 2 loaves, place into prepared pans, cover, and allow to rise until doubled in bulk, 1 to 2 hours.
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6
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
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7
Bake loaves in preheated oven 1 hour, or until they are nicely browned and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
