Irish Soda Bread

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup butter, cold, cut up
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg

INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet.

Step 2
In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt and butter. Cut in butter until you have pea size lumps. Stir in 1 cup of buttermilk and egg. Mix until thick. Add in caraway seeds and raisins, if using. Mix until incorporated. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead slightly. Form dough into a round and place on prepared baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to cut an 'X' into the top of the loaf. Brush with egg wash.

Step 3
Bake in preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes. Check for doneness after 30 minutes.