Irish Soda Bread

By jenncrose

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
• 2 1/2 cups Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup raisins, if desired
• 3/4 cup buttermilk

Preparation

Step 1

1) Heat oven to 375ºF. Grease cookie sheet.

2) Cut butter into flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt in large bowl, using pastry blender or crisscrossing 2 knives, until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Stir in raisins and just enough buttermilk so dough leaves side of bowl.

3) Turn dough onto lightly floured surface. Knead 1 to 2 minutes or until smooth. Shape into round loaf, about 6 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on cookie sheet. Cut an X shape about 1/2 inch deep through loaf with floured knife.

4) Bake 35 to 45 minutes or until golden brown. Brush with butter or margarine, softened, if desired.