Wearing of the GREEN

Enjoy this wonderful holiday (my personal favorite!!):
St. Patrick's Day is here, you see.
We'll pick some shamrocks, one, two, three.
We'll count the leaves and look them over,
And maybe find a four-leafed clover.
I'll sew green buttons on my vest,
Green for St. Patrick is the best.
I'll wear a green hat, very high,
And dance a jig--at least I'll try!
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IRISH SODA BREAD
4 cups flour (unsifted)
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 cup seedless raisins
1 cup buttermilk
4 tablespoons butter

Mix flour, soda, sugar and salt in large mixing bowl. Stir in raisins. Make a well in the mixture and pour in buttermilk. Stir until well blended. Knead dough 8 to 10 times on floured wax paper. Roll dough into a ball.

Use 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter to grease cookie sheet. Place dough ball on cookie sheet and pat into thick circle. Use floured knife to make an X on top of loaf (keeps loaf from cracking). Spread remaining butter on tops and sides of bread.

Bake loaf in preheated 375 degree oven for about 40 minutes. Check periodically to see if top of loaf is golden brown. Serve with butter and green mint jelly!... and of course, a Guinness!!!