Irish Soda Bread

This is from my friend, Paige and is her grandmother's, Bridget Murray (née McHale) from Ballycastle, Mayo, Ireland, recipe.

4 cups flour

1 cup sugar

4  teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon of salt

1 stick of butter (melted)

2 cups raisins 

1 egg slightly beaten

1 ½ cups buttermilk

1/3 teaspoon baking soda

Preheat oven to 375° F

• In a  large bowl combine flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, pour in melted butter, stir in raisins.

• In a small bowl mix eggs, buttermilk, baking soda.

• Pour into the large bowl and mix well.

• Shape dough into a ball and place on a buttered baking sheet. Flatten the ball into 2 - 8” - 9” loaves.

• Cut a cross on top and brush with melted butter.

• Bake in preheated oven at 375° F for 50 minutes - 1 hour or until golden brown