Traditional Irish Soda Bread

Ingredients

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 3 1/2 cups flour
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, melted (not margarine)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup buttermilk, plus
• 5 tablespoons buttermilk
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 tablespoon caraway seed (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350.

2. 2

   Mix first 5 ingredients together.

3. 3

   Separately, mix butter, egg and buttermilk.

4. 4

   Add liquid mix to dry mix and mix until coated.

5. 5

   Put raisins in bowl and cover with water.

6. 6

   Add vanilla.

7. 7

   Heat in microwave for 60 seconds, then let sit for 3 minutes.

8. 8

   Drain raisins and add to dough.

9. 9

   Put dough in 9½ (or 9) inch spring form pan.

10. 10

    Brush with remaining buttermilk.

11. 11

    Using a sharp knife, score the top in a crisscross or wagon spoke.

12. 12

    If using caraway seeds, cover the top with seeds at this point.

13. 13

    Bake in 350 oven for 50-60 minutes, until golden brown and knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.

14. 14

    Allow to cool in pan for 10 minutes, then remove from pan and let cool on rack.