Irish Soda Bread

Preheat oven to 375ºF. Cover large baking sheet with parchment paper.

In large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Shred chilled butter into the flour mixture and stir to coat.

Whisk buttermilk and egg. Stir buttermilk mixture and raisins into flour mixture. Turn mixture onto lightly floured surface and knead for about 30 seconds. Place on prepared cookie sheet. Use a sharp knife to score an “X” on the top of the loaf.

For the mixture to brush on the loaf, melt butter and combine with buttermilk. Brush over loaf and sprinkle lightly with sugar.

Bake for about 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Start checking the loaf after 30 minutes to check for doneness and to see if it is browning too fast. When browned to your liking, cover with a loose piece of aluminum foil. This bread is best served warm with soft butter.