Irish Soda Bread

4 cups bread flour
1 Tbl. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp baking soda
1 cup raisins, currants or craisins, soaked in hot water, drained and patted dry with paper towels
1 Tbl. caraway seeds
2 cups buttermilk
1 egg whisked with 1 Tbl. cream (egg wash)

Sift flour with baking powder, salt and soda. Stir in raisins and caraway seeds. Mix in buttermilk and stir until blended.

Turn out onto floured board. Knead 1 min. Divide dough in half and form each half into a round loaf. Place on greased baking sheet and cut on “X” 1/2 inch deep into bread. Brush with egg wash. Bake at 350 in middle of the oven for 40-45 min.

Let cool. Serve with butter and jam. Makes 2 loaves.