IRISH SODA BREAD

MAKES 1 LOAF

Every Irish cook has a recipe for this delicious cake-like bread, but this is my favorite. I’ve used it in several of my cookbooks (to order, visit irishcook.com) and even turned it into “mini” soda breads by baking it in a cupcake pan (makes about 24). Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig

3 cups all-purpose flour

2/3 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 1/2 cups mixed raisins and sultanas (golden raisins)

3 teaspoons caraway seeds

2 large eggs, beaten

2 cups buttermilk

2 tablespoons butter, melted

Sparkling sugar, for topping

Softened butter, for serving

     1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Coat a 9-inch round baking pan with baking spray with flour.

     2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Stir in raisins and caraway seeds. Make a well in center; stir in eggs, buttermilk and butter. Transfer to prepared pan.

     3. Bake for about 1 hour (22 to 24 minutes for muffins), or until top is golden and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack for 5 minutes. Remove bread from the pan and let cool completely before cutting into slices. Serve spread with butter.