Easter bread (paasbrood)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, yeast, salt and spices.
2. Add the lukewarm milk, beaten eggs and orange zest, then mix until you have a dough.
3. Work in the softened butter by kneading for 8 to 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. Add the raisins and knead briefly to spread them through the dough.
5. Cover and leave to rise for 1 hour in a warm place, until doubled in size.
6. Knock back the dough, shape it into a round loaf and place it in a buttered round tin.
7. Let it rise for another 30 minutes, then bake at 180 °C (350 °F) for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top is well browned and sounds hollow when tapped.
8. Mix the icing sugar and hot water, brush over the still-warm bread and let it cool.