American as Irish Soda Bread

It's always been a central irony of St. Patrick's Day that Americans do it bigger and better than the Irish.  Americans love St. Patrick's Day, and politicians never miss an opportunity to march in a parade.  In Chicago, they actually dye the river green!


http://www.myfoxchicago.com/dpp/good_day/rowan-family-celebrates-50-years-dyeing-chicago-river-green-20120316 


American as Irish Soda Bread
Makes 16 servings


This quick bread came straight from Ireland, but today we claim it as our own.  It's even good with green beer or a shot of whiskey!




1-1/2 cups raisins
1/2 cup boiling water
3 cups flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
 2 tsp. caraway seeds 
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
2 c. sour cream
2 eggs


Heat oven to 350F.  Spray a deep-dish pie plate with nonstick cooking spray.


Soak raisins in water 10 minutes.  Drain and set aside.  


Meanwhile, mix dry ingredients.  Beat in sour cream, eggs and  raisins.  Spoon batter into prepared dish.


Bake 1 hour.


Tip:  
Substitute golden raisins or mixed dried fruit bits for raisins.

Dedicated to the Moore family in Chicago, in memory of Mike, Frank, Mary Agnes and John.