Kvas

1. **note** water must be not hot as it will kill the yeast.
2. Oven must be preheated to 200 °F. Cubei bread then spread on a cookie sheet and place in oven for 1 hour.
3. Bring 6 quarts of water to a boil and drop in the bread.
4. Remove from heat, cover with a towel, & allow to sit at room temperature for 8 hours.
5. Straini through a fine seive by pressing the moistuire from the bread.
6. Sprinkle the yeast & ¼ teaspoon of sugar over the cup of lukewarm water and stir to dissolve the yeast completely.
7. Set aside in a warm place covered by a towel for approx.
8. 10-12 minutes or until.
9. Mixture doubles in volume.
10. Add the mint leaves, and remaining sugar, stir well then re-cover with the towel and set aside for 8-12 hours more at room temperature.
11. Again strain the mixture through a fine seive.
12. Pour into a 1 gal. Container, add the raisins, cover the top with plastic wrap, secure with a rubber band, and place in cool not cold, spot for 4-5 days or until the raisins are floating and the sediment has sunk to the bottom.
13. Pour off the clear amber liquid and rebottle in a clean jug or bottles.
14. Refrigerate until ready to use. In russia this is a beverage as well as cold soup stock.