Rum Baba - Olga's Flavor Factory

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup raisins or dried currants
• 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup milk (warmed to 110 degrees Fahrenheit)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
• 1/2 cup butter (cut into 1/2 - 3/4 inch pieces, softened to room temperature, plus 1 extra Tablespoon for buttering the cake pan)
• 1 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 - 1/2 cup rum
• 1/2 cup orange marmalade (apricot preserves or apple jelly)