Irish Soda Bread

 Super easy bread to make.   I love making quick breads.

IRISH SODA BREAD

(makes 1 loaf)

Ingredients:

*1 cup raisins

*4 cups all-purpose flour (480 grams)

*1/8 cup granulated sugar

*1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*4 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces

*1 2/3 cup cold butter milk

*1 cold egg

Directions:

~Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

~In a small bowl, soak 1 cup raisin in water for 10 minutes to soften them.

~Drain raisins from water.

~In a large mixing bowl, whisk 4 cups (480 grams) all-purpose flour, 1/8 cup granulated sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt until well combined.

~Stir in drained raisins.

~Add butter and using a fork or your fingers work butter into flour mixture until mixture resembles small pea sized pieces.

~In a small bowl, whisk together 1 large egg and 1 2/3 cups buttermilk.

~Make a well into the middle of the flour mixture.

~Pour buttermilk mixture into the center of the well.

~Using a spatula, fold the flour into buttermilk until the mixture comes together and flour in mixed in.

~Form dough into a ball

~Line a large cast iron pan with parchment paper.

~Place dough into pan.

~Cut an "X into the top of the dough.

~Bake for 25-30 minutes or until top is a golden brown and the center is set.

~Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on a cooling rack before cutting.