We Heard You, Raisin Lovers!

If you love raisins as much as we do, this article is perfect for you. Other than having raisins on their own, raisings are extremely versatile ingredients that can be used in many different recipes. Try these out as soon as possible, they really are tasty!

#1 Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup canola oil
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/2 cup 2% milk
• 1 package spice cake mix (regular size)
• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 2-1/2 cups raisins
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, beat oil and brown sugar until blended. Beat in eggs, then milk. Combine cake mix and oats; gradually add to brown sugar mixture and mix well. Fold in raisins and pecans.
2. Drop by tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto greased baking sheets. Bake at 350° until golden brown, 10-12 minutes. Cool for 1 minute before removing to wire racks.

Our thoughts on this recipe:

This one is so easy, it can be done with your eyes closed! What’s more, is that the use of an instant mix reduces your need to weigh, measure and clean as well. You could even have your kids help you in the kitchen.

#2 Sweet Potato Mini Cakes

Ingredients

CAKE:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 4 large eggs
• 1-1/4 cups canola oil
• 3 cups shredded peeled sweet potatoes
• 1 teaspoon rum extract
• 1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained
• 1 cup golden raisins
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

FROSTING:

• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 5 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 4 teaspoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon rum extract
• 1-1/2 cups ground walnuts

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. Add the eggs, oil, potatoes and extract; beat until combined. Stir in the pineapple, raisins and walnuts.
2. Fill 12 greased or paper-lined jumbo muffin cups three-fourths full. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
3. For frosting, in a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Beat in the sugars and extracts until smooth. Frost sides of cakes; roll in walnuts. Place cakes upside down and frost tops with remaining frosting.

Our thoughts on this recipe:

This recipe requires a number of ingredients, but we promise you it is totally worth it. This recipe proves to you that there are so many innovative ways to use raisins in your recipes!

#3 Miniature Christmas Fruitcakes

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup light molasses
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 package (15 ounces) raisins
• 1 pound candied fruit, chopped
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1 cup chopped nuts

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, combine molasses and water; add raisins. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in candied fruit and vanilla. Cool.
2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add 1 eggs at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine the flour, baking soda and spices; add to the creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition. Add fruit mixture, mixing well. Fold in nuts.
3. Fill paper-lined miniature muffin cups almost full. Bake at 325° for 22-24 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely. Store in airtight containers.

Our thoughts on this recipe:

As compared to regular, full-sized fruitcakes, this recipe makes it more convenient. Their smaller size makes them easier to portion control and even give out to friends as a tasty Christmas treat. Try these out today!

Try These Out Today!

Raisins are the real star of today’s recipes. Do give them a go the next time you have some raisins. If you’re looking for the best place to get a bag of this wonderful ingredient, click the link down below!