Irish Soda Bread and Whiskey Butter

Step 1
Place raisins in a small bowl; pour in whiskey and allow to soak overnight.

Step 2
The next day, drain raisins and reserve the leftover whiskey.

Step 3
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 4
Grease a 2-quart casserole dish.

Step 5
Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in a large bowl.

Step 6
Stir drained raisins, orange peel, and caraway seeds into dry ingredients.

Step 7
Beat in buttermilk and 1/4 cup melted butter to make a thick batter.

Step 8
Transfer batter to prepared casserole dish.

Step 9
Bake in the preheated oven until top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Step 10
Beat 1/2 cup butter in a bowl until fluffy; beat in reserved whiskey, 1 teaspoon at a time, to taste. Serve with soda bread.