Irish Soda Bread - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 c. flour
2 Tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. salt
3 Tbsp. butter, softened
1/2 c. seedless raisins
1 c. buttermilk
1 Tbsp. butter, melted

Preparation

Using vegetable shortening, lightly grease a small baking cookie sheet.
In large bowl, sift flour, sugar, baking powder, soda and salt.
Add softened butter and cut into flour mixture using a pastry blender or fork until it's in fine crumbs.
Add raisins and toss.
Pour buttermilk into flour and toss mixture with fork until mixed well.
Using hands, gently gather mixture and press into a ball.
Put ball on a lightly floured board and knead with palms of your hands until dough is smooth (about 1 minute).
Shape into a smooth round ball and place on prepared cookie sheet.
Using hands, flatten dough into a circle (about 1 1/2 inches thick).
Press a large floured knife into center of loaf, halfway through dough.
Repeat at right angle, to divide loaf into quarters.
Sprinkle cinnamon very lightly on top.
Bake at 375\u00b0 for 30 to 40 minutes.
Bake until golden brown.
Cool on wire rack and brush top with melted butter while still warm.