1/2 c. lukewarm water
1 tsp. sugar
1 pkg. active dry yeast
1 c. lukewarm milk
2 eggs, well beaten
2 c. raisins
1/2 c. melted shortening
1/2 c. sugar
4 1/2 - 5 c. flour

Dissolve sugar in lukewarm water. Sprinkle yeast over water, let stand in warm place for about 10 minutes. Add remaining ingredients in order given. Knead thoroughly, about 15 minutes. Shape dough into ball and place in lightly greased bowl. Cover and let rise in warm place until double in bulk. Shape into 2 loaves and place into greased 9"x5"x3" loaf pans. Cover with tea towel and let rise in warm place until double in bulk. Bake at 325 degrees until bread is nicely browned and sounds hollow when lightly tapped. Remove from loaf pans and cool on rack.