Irish Soda Bread

St. Patrick's Day, the primary time that Americans celebrate their Irish heritage, has already passed for this year.   However, you can enjoy a taste of the Emerald Isle any time by whipping up this quick bread.  In Europe, baking soda became available and popular in the mid 19th century.  The baking soda interacts with the acidity of the buttermilk to create the leavening action.

Preparation

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• Spray a baking pan with nonstick spray and coat with flour.

Ingredients

• 3/4C raisins
• 2C flour
• 3/4t baking soda
• 1/2t salt
• 1T sugar
• 2t caraway seeds
• 3/4 + 1T buttermilk
• 1T melted butter (optional)

Directions

1. Place raisins in a small sauce pan and cover with water.  Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer while preparing other ingredients.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, sugar, and caraway seeds.
3. Remove raisins from stove and drain.  Add to dry ingredients.
4. Add buttermilk and stir to combine.  A soft dough will form.  
5. Place on the baking pan.  Using a large knife, score a large "x" into the top of the loaf, about an inch deep.
6. Bake at 375 degrees for 35 minutes, until the internal temperature is 200 degrees.
7. Cool on a rack before slicing.

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