Place 2 sticks of butter in a small bowl and melt them in the microwave for 1 minute. Set aside and let it cool.
Place raisins in a small bowl and add 2 cups of boiling water. Let them soak for 10 minutes for cleansing. Drain and rinse raisins. Set aside in a strainer to allow excess water to drain.
Batter Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400 F. In the electric mixer bowl add eggs, sugar and mix on high speed for 10 minutes. Reduce speed to low and pour in 2 cups of buttermilk. Mix on medium speed for 2 minutes. Then add baking soda activated with vinegar. Mix for another minute, and then add melted and cooled butter.
Add flour, one cup at a time, and continue mixing on low until all the flour is well incorporated. Add raisins and mix it on low for 1 minute, or until raisins are well mixed in.
Prep & Fill Muffin Molds:
In a bittersweet moment, my sisters and I split these muffin molds after our mom passed away. They're unique, but you may get something similar at Bed Bath and Beyond.
Preheat the oven to 400 F. Place 2 tbsp. of butter in a cup. Melt it in the microwave for 30 seconds and grease the molds with melted butter. Divide batter between the molds, filling them ¾ full. Place them on a small pizza pan and bake (one batch at a time) for 35-40 minutes at 400 F, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes before removing the muffins from the molds. Let them cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar.
Enjoy with a cold cup of milk or a hot cup of coffee! :)