Dear Nancy,

This recipe for Irsih Soda Bread is from Kathleen's Bake Shop, a wonderful little book put out by Kathleen, the owner, of Kathleen's Bake Shop out in Southampton, Long Island, New York. She has the most delectable goodies and now we are all lucky to get the recipes in her little yellow book.

Hope you enjoy this delicious Irish Soda Bread.

Happy Cooking, GinaKathleen's Irish Soda Bread

makes 2 loaves

4 c. flour
2 T. sugar
1 T. baking powder
1 t. baking soda
1 t. salt
1/2 c. butter
1 c. raisins
3 T. caraway seeds
2 c. buttermilk

Preheat oven to 375. Lightly grease a cookie sheet.

In a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Using a pastry blender or fork, cut in the butter til mixture resembles coarse meal. Add raisins and caraway seeds and toss lightly. Add buttermilk and toss mixture until all dry ingred. are moistened. Dough will be very soft.

Form dough into a ball and lightly knead on a floured board for about 30 seconds or until dough is smooth. Divide dough into two portions and shape into balls. Place them on the cookie sheet and with a sharp knife, cut an X on top of each one.

Bake for 50 mts.