The bread of the Irish.

This is one of our favorite late night snacks during this time of year!  We love it warm with a little bit of butter.  Yum!

Irish Soda Bread

4 cups all-purpose flour
4 tbs white sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 tbs baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup margarine, softened
1 cup buttermilk
1 egg
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup butter milk
2 cups raisins (optional)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Lightly grease a large baking sheet.

In a large bowl, mix together sugar, baking soda, baking powder, raisins, salt and margarine.
Stir in 1 cup buttermilk and egg.
Knead slightly on a lightly floured surface.  
Form dough into a round ball and place on greased baking sheet.

In a small bowl, combine melted butter with 1/4 cup of buttermilk and brush loaf with this mixture.
With a sharp knife cut an 'X' on the top of the loaf (to make it look all fancy).

Bake in preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.  Continue to brush the loaf with the butter mixture while it bakes (that will make it crusty and crispy)!

Nom Nom Nom!