an irish themed supper club

This month's supper club was on St Patrick's Day so of course you were to make something Irish or green. After getting a recipe from a friend and searching the internet, I settled on Irish Soda Bread and a raisin walnut spread.  They were both VERY good so I'll share the recipes I used.  I found the spread a little sweet but I was the minority.

Irish Soda Bread

4 cups sifted flour
2/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1-1/2 tablespoons caraway seeds (optional)
1/4 cup butter or margarine (room temp)
1-1/2 to 2 cups raisins
1-1/3 cup buttermilk (1 tablespoon vinegar in milk will give the same results)
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 eggs unbeaten

Mix the last three ingredients in a separate bowl until nice and bubbly.  Then, mix the dry ingredients together.  Add butter and chop it into the mixture until it feels course.  Add dry ingredients to the wet, mix together well.  Turn out onto a floured surface.  With floured hands mix together until it is smooth.  Shape into a ball and place onto a greased and floured 2 qt pan or regular layer cake pan.  Make a cross in the center.  Bake for about 55 minutes at 375.  Let cool.  Then sprinkle with powdered sugar.  Enjoy!

Raisin-Walnut Spread

Even though I added a link above it's such a great recipe with so many applications I wanted to type it here too in case the link ever goes away.
1 cup raisins
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup chopped walnuts

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine raisins, wine and brown sugar.  Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stir to blend, and then reduce heat to low and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the raisins are soft.  Let cook for 10 to 15 minutes.  Transfer to a food processor or blender and process until smooth.  Transfer to a small bowl or ramekin and stir in the walnuts.  Let cool.

Slather the spread onto the bread and oh so yummy!  Look how amazing it looks...

...and even if it didn't turn out good it sure looked good on the cutest plate that Amy got me for Christmas!

Unfortunately, we have an ant problem every spring.  They're gone now but not before they found the left over bread.  I guess that just gives me an excuse to make another!