I have fond memories of my mom’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations—March 17th was a big holiday in my house! If it’s time for the wearin’ of the green, then it’s time for soda bread. This recipe is special as it was made by my Aunt Fran and served in The Team Room at Johnson’s Bookstore in Springfield, Mass. Johnson’s Bookstore was a legend in the area—new, old, used books of all kinds and I miss it to this day. Another classic of yesteryear gone by the wayside, but I’m delighted to still have the recipe to share!
Ingredients
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sugar
1⁄4 cup shortening
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ cups raisins
2 cups milk
Caraway seeds if desired—I love this addition!
Directions
Mix flour, salt, sugar and shortening. Add baking powder, raisins, and caraway seeds if desired. Add milk and mix well. Bake in an iron skillet or loaf pan for about 45 minutes in an oven preheated to 350°.