Irish Soda Bread

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup raisins (or currants)
• 1 large egg (beaten)
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
• 2 tablespoon butter (melted)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 425 F degrees.

2. 2

   In a large bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda and salt. Stir in the raisins.

3. 3

   In a smaller bowl whisk together the egg, buttermilk and butter. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and combine using a spatula or a wooden spoon.

4. 4

   Turn the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and knead by hand until the dough forms a smooth ball. Dust the outside with a bit of flour and place onto an ungreased cast iron skillet or baking sheet.

5. 5

   Use a sharp knife to score the top of the dough into an "X" shape about an inch deep. This is to help heat get into the dough as it bakes.

6. 6

   Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. To check if the bread is done, when you tap the bottom of the bread it should sound hollow.