Aggies Irish Soda Bread Recipe - unbleached white flour

Method

• Makes 1 large loaf.
• Preheat oven to 350F.
• Sift the flour, baking pwdr, soda and salt into a large mixing bowl.
• Cut the butter into small pcs and add in.
• Cut it into the flour with a pastry blender till the mix is the size of peas.
• Add in the raisins and toss to distribute proportionately, using two forks.
• Beat the egg in another bowl till very frothy.
• Beat in the honey.
• When it is well blended, beat in the buttermilk.
• Gradually pour the liquids into the flour, tossing all the while with a fork so the mix gets proportionately moistened.
• Continue tossing lightly with two forks till the batter comes together; it doesn't have to be completely mixed and should be very rough and lumpy.
• Butter a heavy skillet or possibly casserole, 10 to 11 inches in diameter and 2 to 3 inches deep.
• Round is the traditional shape.
• Spoon batter out into the pan and push it gently to fill the pan.
• It can mound up somewhat in the middle.
• Bake at 350 F about an hour or possibly till the middle is set.
• Cut out a piece to test if necessary.
• Cut into wedges and serve hot from the pan.
• The Garden Way Bread Book