Grandma Nell O'Connor's Soda Bread

3 1/2 cups sifted flour
2/3 cup sugar
1 t. salt
1 T. baking powder
1 t. baking soda

1 1/2 cups seeded raisins (I like to mix the dark & light together.  I also soak them in warm water for a few minutes as it plumps them up.)

1 T. caraway seeds (optional - I don't use caraway unless I know the person getting it likes them.)
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups buttermilk (I may add a little extra if the batter looks too dry after mixing.)
2 T. melted butter
 
Sift together into a large mixing bowl, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder & soda.  Stir in raisins and caraway seeds (optional).  Beat eggs, then add buttermilk & butter, mix together.  Add to dry ingredients and mix lightly.  (If you like your soda bread a little moister, you can add a small amount of buttermilk here).  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Pour mixture into a well-greased cast iron skillet.  Before putting in the oven, take a knife and make the sign of the cross on the top of the bread.  I was told it was to bless those who ate it.  It might just be a family tradition.  Bake for 1 hour.

(Tie a green bow around the bread and give to a favorite lad or lassie.) 

While you're here - you might want to read about Pittsburgh's Irish Heritage.

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