Soaking Raisins For Banana Bread

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Nigella's Banana Bread (from HOW TO BE A DOMESTIC GODDESS is made with raisins that are first soaked in a little rum or bourbon. This helps to plump the raisins up, as well as adding a little extra flavour.

If you can't use alcohol then fresh orange juice is usually a good alternative and should be substituted in the same quantity. Otherwise freshly brewed coffee (regular, not espresso) would be a possibility as the flavour of the coffee would work well with the flavours of the banana bread. Use 75ml (5 tablespoons) of coffee or make up some instant coffee using 75ml of just boiled water with 1/2 teaspoon of instant coffee.