Milk Free Irish Soda Bread

Ingredients

• 4 cups whole wheat flour (King Arthur's is best)
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 3 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1/2 cups unflavored soymilk
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (reconstituted is fine)
• 1 cup currant or raisins
• 2 tablespoons honey (or other sweetener (optional)
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

Directions

1. 1

   Soak the currants (or raisins) in 1/2 cup of water in a microwaveable container and microwave for 10 seconds. Set Aside. Drain before using.

2. 2

   Sift flour and baking powder, baking soda, and salt together into a large bowl.

3. 3

   Add lemon juice to the soy milk; then add the milk, drained currants or raisins, oil, and sweetener (if used) and stir until all dry ingredients are moistened. The dough should still be sticky.

4. 4

   Knead on a floured surface for 3-4 minutes until the dough can be formed into a very soft ball.

5. 5

   Place on a heavy baking sheet and gently flatten so that it is no more than 2 inches high. Make deep cross cuts across the top (nearly halfway through the dough).

6. 6

   Place in 400 degree oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, until the crust is brown and the bread has a hollow should when tapped.

7. 7

   Cool on a wire rack at least 10 minutes before slicing. It is best when eaten warm with or without a spread, but is delicious with jam.