IRISH SODA BREAD - Enjoy and Happy Saint Patrick’s Day

This recipe was given to me by my friend and co-worker, Janice DePatria. Enjoy!

4 CUPS UNSIFTED FLOUR
1/4 TSP BAKING SODA
2 TSP BAKING POWDER
2 EGGS
1 ½ C BUTTERMILK
½ C SUGAR
1 TSP SALT
½ LB GOLDEN RAISINS
1 STICK BUTTER, SOFTENED

Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl. Toss with hands; this gives a light consistency. Add softened butter still using hands, blend till evenly distributed. Add raisins and toss with hands. Beat eggs in separate bowl add buttermilk and blend well. Pour this mixture a little at a time into dry mixture. Blend well with a spoon. Dough should be heavy but not too wet. Dust hands and counter top with flour turn out of bowl and mold into a round, try not to handle too much, it will be sticky. Place dough in a greased 9” round pan. Dust top generously with flour. Cut a deep cross into the top of dough. Bake at 350 for one hour or until well browned and toothpick stuck in center comes out clean.