Irish Soda Bread

"Half a loaf of bread is better than no bread at all." - Irish Proverb

What a great way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a homemade loaf of Irish Soda Bread! Thanks to my cousin-in-law, Lynn for sharing her Mom's recipe to me. This is an easy bread to make and the result is phenomenal. The caraway seeds made it quite savory and flavorful. This bread is great served while hot with a pat of butter and a spoonful of fruit preserves (Russian Red Raspberry is my favorite from Bittersweet Herb Farm).

I followed Lynn's advised and multiplied this recipe by 4 to make 4 loaves at a time. I had enough to bring one for my Mum-in-law's for dinner yesterday, a loaf for my sister-in-law, my Mommy and of course, the last loaf for us to keep. Yum!

Ingredients:
2 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
3 Tbsp. sugar
A pinch of salt
1 Tbsp. caraway seeds (optional)
1/2 cup seedless raisins
1 cup buttermilk

Directions:
Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and sugar together. Add caraway seeds and raisins. Stir in buttermilk to make a soft dough. Knead dough on lightly floured board for about one minute or less. Shape into a round loaf and put into 8 inch greased round stoneware baking pan or iron skillet. With knife, cut crosswise (deeply) into top. Bake for about 40-45 minutes in a 350 degree F preheated oven.