Irish Raisin Cake

Submitted by kitty.rock

"From the cookbook "St. George Island Cuisine", this recipe was submitted by Peggy Roche Juppe. I've not tried this recipe but it sounds like it would be tasty. NOTE: the original recipe DOES NOT call for eggs, and all similar recipes I've looked at call for at least one egg -- I've added an egg to the ingredients list. Recipe posted for ZWT8 - Ireland."

 

• Ready In: 1hr 15mins
• Ingredients: 12
• Yields: 1-2 loaves
• Serves: 12

ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 cups raisins (or a mix of raisins, currants or sultanas)
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups water
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 tablespoons hot water
• 3 1⁄2 cups flour
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1⁄2 teaspoon clove (ground)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg, beaten (see NOTE)

directions

1. Combine the raisins, sugar and 2 cups water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and boil for 10 minutes.
2. Add the butter and stir until it melts.
3. Remove from the heat and let cool.
4. Dissolve the baking soda in 2 tablespoons of hot water in a small bowl. Add to the raisin mixture.
5. Sift the flour, salt, cinnamon and cloves into a large bowl.
6. Add the beaten egg, if using (see NOTE).
7. Add the raisin mixture and vanilla and stir to mix well.
8. Pour into 1 large or 2 small well-greased loaf pans.
9. Bake at 350 degrees F for 60 to 75 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Remove to a wire rack to cool.
11. Remove cake(s) from loaf pan after 5 minutes to cool completely.