Irish Soda Bread Recipe

Is there anything better than taking a bite of a warm slice of fresh bread right out of the oven? I don't think so. This morning my daughter reminded me she needed to bring sugar and shortening to school for a class project. Her awesome teacher (Hi, Mrs. Paden!) divided the class into small groups where students would each contribute small amounts of ingredients to make Irish soda bread. Groups then decided on variations and adaptations according to their choosing. With St. Patrick's Day approaching, I wanted to share my version of this popular quick bread. Slightly sweet and speckled with raisins, this bread can be made fairly quickly. 

In just over 60 minutes you, too, can also enjoy a warm slice of bread right out of the oven. This is the type of bread-baking project I would encourage you to make with your child.  Kids of all ages can help add ingredients and stir the dough. With the bread as a tasty reward, teaching your kids how to bake in the kitchen is a life skill they will appreciate having as they grow older. Enjoy!