Irish Soda Bread

By garciamoss

A little orange zest adds some zing to the classic Irish Soda Bread ingredients. Enjoy almost instant gratification with this quick-to-the-table loaf.

Ingredients

• 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp caraway seeds
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp grated orange zest
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1 cup low fat buttermilk

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375°F.

In a large bowl stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, caraway seeds, sugar, and orange zest until well combined. Cut in butter with pastry blender or using 2 knives until dry ingredients resemble coarse breadcrumbs.

Stir in raisins.

Add buttermilk and stir to mix. Gently knead several times until dough forms.

Place dough on a parchment lined baking sheet and pat to form a 6 inch circle. Dust loaf with flour. Cut a cross on the top of the loaf about ½ inch deep.

Bake for approximately 35 minutes. When you tap the loaf, it should have a hollow sound.

Remove and cool on a rack.