Irish Soda Bread

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF.
2. In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients.
3. Cut in butter until it is pea-sized. I like to use my pastry fork for this type of work. It works beautifully as you have more control than with a pastry blender.
4. Stir in buttermilk and raisins.
5. Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Knead with hands for about 1 minute. If dough is sticky, add in a little flour but do not over-knead. The bread will become tough.
6. Shape into a round loaf. The dough will probably still be sticky and it will look shaggy.
7. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 40-50 minutes or until it turn golden brown and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped.
8. Remove and let bread sit on sheet for 5-10 minutes. Transfer to a rack and let cool for another 5 minutes.
9. Best eaten warm.