Irish Soda Bread

By RedZinger

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3 T butter
• 1/4 raisins or currants (optional)*
• 1 egg white, slightly beaten
• 3/4 cup Buttermilk**
• Nonstick cooking spray

Details

Servings 16
Preparation time 15mins
Cooking time 45mins

Preparation

Step 1

1. In bowl stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles course crumbs. Stir in raisins or currants if desired. Make a well in the center of the mixture.
2. In a small bowl combine egg white and buttermilk. Add all at once to dry mixture. Stir just until moistened.
3. On lightly floured surface knead dough 10-12 strokes until nearly smooth. Shape into a 7" round loaf.
4. Lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray. Place bread dough on baking sheet. With a sharp knife, make 2 slashes on the top to form an X.
5. Bake at 375 for about 30 minutes until golden. Serve warm. Makes 1 loaf (16 servings).

*I use use either currants or chopped raisins in my bread. Soak them in boiling water for about 5 minutes before adding to mixture to plump them up (remember to drain the water). If I use raisins I chop them after I take them out of the water. Adding raisins/currants adds a little moisture to the bread.
**I usually don't have buttermilk on hand so I usually use the substitute. Put 1 tablespoon of white vinegar in a measuring cup. Add milk until it hits the 1 cup mark. Let sit 5 minutes before using. Only use 3/4 cup of the mixture as specified in the recipe.