IRISH SODA BREAD

Ingredients

Soda Bread

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, very cold
• 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup raisins

Top Glaze

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons buttermilk
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a large baking tray with baking paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Mash the cold butter into the flour mixture and stir.
Whisk together buttermilk and egg.Add buttermilk mixture and raisins to flour mixture. Transfer the mixture to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 30 seconds. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp, serrated knife, score an “X” on the top of the loaf.
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter.Mix with 2 tablespoons buttermilk. Spread on bread and sprinkle lightly with sugar.
Bake for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. After 30 minutes, start checking the bread to see if it is cooked and if it is browning too quickly. When browned to your liking, cover with a loose piece of aluminum foil.Place on a rack to cool slightly. This bread is best served warm with softened butter.

Notes

Place the butter in the freezer about 30 minutes before crumbling as this will make it much easier to crumble.
For optimal flavor, do not overwork the dough. Simply mix the dough until it is too stiff to stir, then turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until all the flour is moistened.
Always preheat your oven and place it on the middle rack in the middle of the oven.If the bread turns out to be too brown for your liking, simply place a loose piece of aluminum foil over the bread while it finishes baking.
If you don’t like raisins, leave them out. The bread will still be delicious. Be sure to read my suggestions for flavor variations.
Before baking, use a sharp serrated knife to cut an “X” on the top of the bread to ensure it is fully baked.This Irish soda bread tastes best fresh out of the oven with soft creamy butter; However, you can reheat the bread on a baking sheet at 325° for about 10 minutes.
Individual slices can be heated in the microwave or toaster until lightly browned, about 10 seconds.

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