Irish soda bread

Heat the oven to 375 degrees, grease & flour 2 loaf pans OR a cookie sheet (makes 2 loaves).

In a mixing bowl, combine dry ingredients:
5 sups flour
1-1/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
5 tsps. baking powder
2 tsps. baking soda
Mix well - take a cold stick of butter (1/2 cup) and chop it up - put it in the dry mixture and cut in with a pastry blender until it looks like coarse crumbs. Stir in 1-1/2 cups (dark or golden) raisins.

In a smaller bowl, mix together:
3 lg. eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking soda
1-3/4 cups buttermilk

Slowly, pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture, turning it constantly & gently, but not mixing it roughly. The harder you mix, the tougher the end product will be. Once the mixtures are thoroughly incorporated, divide the dough in half and place into prepared pans, patting down lightly - or placing in equal sized heaps onto flat sheets (forming into mounds).

Traditionally, a Tblsp. of caraway seeds should be added to the dry mixture but we prefer the bread without it.

Bake for 45-55 minutes, until crust is golden brown. If you want to, brush the hot loaves lightly with melted butter. Cool completely before slicing.