Irish Soda Bread

Irish Soda Bread

I got this recipe from off the net and was pleasantly surprised by the whole thing! It is so quick and easy to prepare and doesn't need to rise. I find that it tastes a lot like KFC biscuits...must be the butter and buttermilk. However, when I made this recipe I didn't have buttermilk on hand so I added some vinegar to the milk to give it a slightly sour taste and you couldn't tell the difference (;

• 
  
  You will need:
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 beaten egg
• 3/4 cup buttermilk ( or sub. milk with some vinegar )
• 1 beaten egg (, with another in a separate cup)
• 1/2 cup raisins ( optional )

Directions

1. 
   
   1 In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, brown sugar and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
2. 2 Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. 3 Combine 1 beaten egg, raisins and buttermilk.
4. 4 Add to mixture above and stir until just moistened.
5. 5 On a lightly floured surface, knead gently for 12 strokes.
6. 6 On a greased baking sheet, shape the mixture into a 6 inch round loaf and cut a cross (4 inches wide and ¼ inch deep) into the top.
7. 7 Brush the top with the other beaten egg and bake at 375°F for 35 minutes or until golden.
8.