making the dough, or you can microwave it for 5 to 10 seconds but do not melt Add half of the soft butter and mix on medium speed for about 3 to 5 minutes, until the butter is incorporated Add the rest of the soft butter and mix for about 3 to 5 more minutes on medium speed, until the butter is completely incorporated The dough should again be smooth and elastic Drain the raisins if there is any liquid in the bowl, and add them to the dough Knead in by hand if easier, or mix on a slow speed to incorporate Mix the raisins or knead for 1 minute only to avoid crushing them, until they are evenly incorporated Remove the dough hook, sprinkle a very small amount of flour on the surface of the dough, and cover the bowl with a damp towel or with plastic wrap Set in a warm spot (not hotter than 80.6°F/27°C or the butter will melt out of the dough) and let rise until double in volume, 1 to 1½ hours You can create a makeshift proofer if your oven does not have a pilot light by placing a small pan filled halfway with freshly boiled water on the oven floor and the bowl inside the oven Make sure the temperature does not exceed 80.6°F/27°C While the dough is rising, soak the almonds in the water in a small bowl Using softened butter and a pastry brush, grease your kougelhof molds Should you use a silicone mold, you will not need to grease it Drain the almonds and place on the bottom of the kougelhof molds, between each crease, with the pointy ... speed to incorporate Mix the raisins or knead for 1 minute only to avoid crushing them, until they are evenly incorporated Remove the dough hook, sprinkle a very small amount of flour on the surface of the dough, and...incorporated The dough should again be smooth and elastic Drain the raisins if there is any liquid in the bowl, and add them to the dough Knead in by hand if easier, or mix on a slow... temperature does not exceed 80.6°F/27°C While the dough is rising, soak the almonds in the water in a small bowl Using softened butter and a pastry brush, grease your kougelhof molds Should you use a silicone