Irish Soda Bread

“Some people don’t like soda bread, but I do. This recipe is from my talented little baker, my daughter.” — Patrick Perry, Executive Editor

Irish Soda Bread

(Makes 2 loaves)

• 5 cups sifted all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 stick unsalted butter
• 1 1/4 cups currants, soaked in water for at least 15 minutes and drained
• 1 1/4 cups golden raisins, soaked in water for at least 15 minutes and drained
• 3 tablespoons caraway seeds
• 2 1/2 cups buttermilk
• 1 large egg, slightly beaten

Preheat oven to 350 F. Butter two 9×5-inch loaf pans.

Combine sifted flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Cut in butter and mix thoroughly with hands until mixture appears grainy. Stir in currants, raisins, and caraway seeds.

Add buttermilk and egg to mixture and stir until well moistened. Shape dough into 2 loaves and place in prepared pans. Bake for one hour. Test with toothpick. Cool in pans for 5 minutes. Then, transfer to wire rack to cool.