Irish Soda Bread

I recently attended a reunion with 35 women I graduated with from Nazareth College. We had a ball talking, eating and cooking together! Some very good recipes were used which I'd like to share with you. One of my former classmates, Mary Beth, showed the "girls" how to make Irish Soda Bread. It was a fun experience as well as a very delicious one! Unlike what I always thought this bread was like, it turned out tender, tasty and not the least bit dry. We made enough to each take home a loaf. Thanks, Mary Beth!

Recipe Makes: 2 loaves
Preheat Oven: 375º

4 c. flour
4 T. sugar
1 ½ tsp. baking soda
12 T. butter
2 or 3 handfuls of raisins
1 1/3 c. buttermilk

1. Combine flour, sugar and baking soda. Cut in butter until it resembles small crumbs. Mix in raisins. Add buttermilk, saving a tad to brush the tops of the loaves.

2. Mix with a large heavy spoon. Finish working the dough with your hands until the milk is well incorporated.
(Hint: Dough will be very dry. DO NOT be tempted to add more milk. That only makes it tough.)

3. Form a ball, then divide it in half. Place each half on either end of a cookie sheet. Press the dough down slightly. Brush with buttermilk.

4. Bake in a preheated 375º oven for 30 minutes.

NOTE: Rotate the cookie sheet and continue baking for another 20- 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.

The bread freezes very well. Wrap in foil to freeze.