Irish Soda Bread - cooking recipe

Ingredients

4 c. all-purpose flour
3 Tbsp. sugar
1 Tbsp. baking powder
2 tsp. caraway seed
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 c. shortening
3 eggs whites
1 1/2 c. golden raisins
1 1/2 c. buttermilk

Preparation

About an hour before serving or a day ahead:
Preheat oven to 350\u00b0.
Grease 2-quart casserole dish.
In a large bowl, mix the first 6 ingredients.
Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in raisins.
In cup, beat egg whites slightly. Remove 1 tablespoon of egg whites and reserve.
Stir buttermilk and remaining egg whites into flour mixture just until flour is moistened.
Turn dough onto floured surface and with well floured hands, knead dough 8 to 10 strokes.
Shake dough into ball and place in casserole.
In center of dough, cut a 4-inch cross 1/4 inch deep.
Brush dough with egg whites.
Bake for 1 hour and 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool bread in casserole dish for 10 minutes.
Remove from dish and serve.
Makes about 12 servings.