There are many different recipes and types of Irish Soda Bread. This one is the traditional one I grew up with in Chicago, that many of the bakeries produced on the Southwest side of Chicago made.

Step 1: Ingredients

2.5 cups of all purpose flour

10 tbs of sugar

1/2 tsp salt

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 1/2 sticks of butter or margarine

1 large egg

1 cup of buttermilk- regular milk could be subbed

1 cup of raisins or currants

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl mix the flour, baking powder and soda, salt and the sugar.

Step 3: Cut in the Margarine

Lightly mix in the margarine with your hands, a fork, or a pastry blender, like you were making a pie dough or biscuits.

Step 4: Add the Milk and Eggs

Add the milk and eggs and mix only till incorporated.

Step 5: Add the Raisins

Again, just mix lightly

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Spray a pan or grease with margarine, drop the dough into the pan. Do not worry about an irregular shape. Lightly dust with flour and score with a knife or bakers scraper. Just push down, it probably won't cut.