Irish Soda Bread - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 c. sifted flour
3/4 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. salt
6 Tbsp. cold shortening (lard is best)
2/3 c. buttermilk (room temperature)
1/2 c. raisins*
1 Tbsp. sugar (optional)*

Preparation

Sift dry ingredients (*add sugar if using raisins to make the bread or tea bread.
*Raisins are not added to soda bread when used as a main stay bread.)
Cut in shortening with pastry blend until the consistency of cornmeal.
(*Stir in raisins.)
Add buttermilk gradually until you have a dough not dry.
Knead dough for 1 minute or until smooth.
Shape into round loaf.
Brush with milk and cut a deep cross into loaf to prevent splitting.
Bake on greased sheet at 375\u00b0 for 40 to 50 minutes.
Best served warm.