Recipe for cooking irish soda bread

Recipes from Ireland :: Irish Quick and Yeast Bread

This is delicious served warm, spread with butter and jam, or cooled.

3 Tbsp. butter or butter-replacement, softened
2 1/2 (two and a half) c. flour
2 Tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/3 c. raisins (optional)
3/4 c. buttermilk

Cut butter into flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Stir in raisins and enough buttermilk to make a soft dough. Turn onto lightly floured surface; knead until smooth, 1 to 2 mins.

Shape into round loaf, about 6 1/2 in. in diameter. Place on greased cookie sheet. Cut an X about 1/4 through center of loaf with floured knife. Bake at 375 degrees fahrenheit until golden brown, 35 to 45 mins.

Brush with butter if desired.