Irish Soda Bread

If you are looking for a simple but delicious recipe for Irish Soda Bread, here is one from a good friend of mine when I lived in New York City.

She says, "Here's a great recipe for St. Patrick's Day. It's my grandmother Mary McLean Taylor's recipe for Irish Soda Bread -- even though she was a proud Scot, she loved Irish soda bread." Rania B.

• 4 cups flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp. salt
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 2 Tbs. caraway seeds
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
• 1 egg, unbeaten

No prep here. Just get to kneading.

Sift together all dry ingredients, except for baking soda. Cut in the butter. Go through with fingers. Add raisins. Add milk, egg and baking soda. Mix, not completely, just until everything is moist.

Knead for a few minutes, not too much. Put in casserole dish. Brush with egg yolk. Bake for one hour at 375 degrees F.

Thanks Rania for your grandmother's recipe. RG