Irish Soda Bread - cooking recipe

Ingredients

4 c. flour
1 tsp. salt
3 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. soda
1/4 c. sugar (optional)
1/8 tsp. cardamon or coriander (optional)
1/4 c. butter
2 c. raisins (optional)
1 egg
1 3/4 c. buttermilk (or milk with 5 tsp. vinegar)

Preparation

Combine dry ingredients.
Cut in butter until crumbly. Add raisins (soak in hot water and drain first).
Mix egg and buttermilk.
Add to dry ingredients.
Turn onto floured board and knead 2 to 3 minutes. Divide dough in half. Shape into loaves.
In 8-inch round pans, press dough to fill pans.
With a sharp knife, cut crosses on tops about 1/2-inch deep in the middle. Bake at 375\u00b0 for 35 to 40 minutes.
Serve warm or cold.
Makes 2 loaves.