How To ... Make soda bread

Use St. Patrick's Day as an excuse to get the kids into the kitchen to help with this easy, hands-on recipe for sweet soda bread studded with golden raisins.

The recipe calls for baking the dough as two loaves, but it could be divided into four to accommodate multiple baker's helpers. And be prepared for a (fun) mess -- the dough is sticky.

RAISIN SODA BREAD

Serves: 8

2 cups white whole-wheat flour

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup quick oats

1 1/2 tablespoons baking soda

1 1/2 tablespoons salt

3/4 cup sugar

2 cups buttermilk

3 tablespoon molasses

2 cups golden raisins

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine the flours, oats, baking soda, salt and sugar and use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix. Form a well (or hole) in the center of the dry ingredients.

Into the well, pour the buttermilk and the molasses. Mix until combined. Add the raisins and use your hands to knead the dough (in the bowl or on lightly floured counter) several times to work in the raisins.

On a lightly floured surface, divide the dough in two and shape each half into a round. Transfer the rounds to the prepared baking sheet. Have an adult use a knife to cut a large "X" in the top of each loaf.

Have an adult place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 15 minutes and then reduce heat to 325 degrees and bake for 40 to 45 minutes more. The loaves should be lightly browned.

Have an adult remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the loaves cool before eating.

-- The Associated Press