Preparation

1. Set the raisins aside in a small bowl and cover with about 1 cup of boiling water, leave to soak.
2. Add the sugar to the bowl and mill 3 seconds on speed 8.
3. Add the milk, eggs, flour, baking powder and vanilla essence. Mix 15 seconds on speed 7.
4. Add the softened butter and mix 15 seconds on speed 7.
5. Drain the raisins (if using) and discard the water. Add the raisons to the bowl and mix 5 seconds on speed 4.
6. Transfer to a bowl, cover and leave to rest for about 2 hours on the bench.

Baking

1. Preheat fan forced oven to 200ºC.
2. Grease a madeleine form or other small cake forms with butter.
3. Spoon 1 tablespoon of mixture into each well.
4. Bake for 9 minutes, until firm, golden and well risen. Leave to rest in the form for a couple of minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool.