Marilyn O'Reilly's Irish Soda Bread

1. 1

   Set a rack in the middle level of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees.

2. 2

   In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, soda and salt and stir well to mix.

3. 3

   Add the butter and rub in until the butter disappears into the dry ingredients.

4. 4

   Stir in the caraway seeds if used and the raisins.

5. 5

   In a small bowl, whisk the buttermilk and egg together and mix into the dough mixture with a rubber spatula.

6. 6

   Turn the dough out on a floured work surface and fold it over on itself several times, shaping it into a round loaf.

7. 7

   Transfer the loaf to one cookie sheet or jelly roll pan covered with parchment or foil and cut a cross in the top.

8. 8

   Bake for 15 minutes then reduce heat to 350 and cook for about 15 to 20 minutes more, until well colored and a toothpick plunged into the center emerges clean.

9. 9

   Cool the soda bread on a rack and serve with plenty of sweet butter and bitter orange marmalade.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

No additional tips available.