Instructions: In large saucepan, bring beans and 8 cups cold water to boil. Reduce heat to medium low, simmer, covered, for about 1 hour or until tender. Drain, reserving cooking water. Puree black beans. Combine raisins with 1/2 cup of the hot bean water. Dissolve sugar in warm water;sprinkle with yeast and let stand for 10 minutes or until frothy. In bowl, whisk together 1-1/2 cups of the reserved bean water, molasses,oil, undrained raisins, salt, beans and yeast mixture. Using electric mixer, beat in whole wheat flour; beat for 2 minutes. Gradually stir in enough of the all purpose flour to make firm, slightly sticky dough. Turn out onto floured surface and knead, adding flour as needed, for 10-12 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.

Place in greased bowl,turning to grease all over. Cover and let rise for 1-1/2 to 2 hours. Punch down. Cut into thirds; shape into round loaves.

Place on greased baking sheets; cover and let rise for 45 minutes. Beat together egg and water; brush over loaves. Bake in 375 F oven for 45-50 minutes or until loaves sound hollow when tapped. Let cool on racks.

Makes
3 loaves.

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