In a small saucepan, whisk 4 tbsp of water and 2 tbsp flour. Make sure not to leave any lumps. Slowly add the other 3 tbsp of water while whisking. Put on low heat and continue to whisk. Once thicken and in a pudding like consistency remove from heat and cover. Make sure it doesn't boil.

Warm the milk but not too hot. Pour yeast and set it aside for 10mins.

Cream butter and sugar till light in colour. Add extract and eggs. Mix till well combined. Add the yeast, the paste made before and mix well. Add 1cup flour mix well then the raisins.

At this point, mix everything with a wooden spoon gradually adding the rest of the flour.

When all ingredients come together, knead the dough by hand for about 5 mins still in the bowl. The dough might be a bit sticky but don't add flour.

Let the dough rise for 1.5hrs. Lightly flour your surface and transfer the dough. Divide into 4 parts and roll each into a ball. Roll each into a strand and make a braid. Let it sit for another 1hr.

In a 350°F preheated oven bake for 20-30mins or till golden-brown. Let it cool and enjoy!