In lieu of St. Patrick’s Day…

Irish Soda Bread

4 cups flour
1 Tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
4 Tbsp butter
1 cup raisins
1 egg (beaten)
2 cups buttermilk

Preheat oven to 425°. In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt & baking soda. Using your fingertips work the butter into the flour mixture. (The flour mixture will look like cornmeal.) Add in the raisins & mix well. Make a well in the middle of the flour mixture; add the egg & buttermilk. Mix in until the dough is stiff. Knead dough, using a little flour, forming a ball. Do not over knead. With flour on hands form dough into a round loaf. Loaf will look rough. Lightly grease a cast iron skillet (or baking dish.) Score the top of the dough with a large “X”. Bake 40-45 minutes.
(Note: bread is delicious toasted)