Irish Soda Bread
4 cups flour (half Wondra)
3 tablespoons sugar
1 Tablespoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
1 tablespoon caraway seeds (optional)
2 eggs
1 1/2 cup buttermilk
Mix the dry ingredients together. Cut in butter with two knives. Add raisins and seeds, if desired. Combine eggs and buttermilk in a separate bowl. Add to dry mixture. Knead for at least two minutes, adding more flour as needed. More flour is always needed, because otherwise the dough is too sticky to knead. Just don't add too much.
Divide the dough into 2 pieces and reshape into flat circles. Place in two buttered Pyrex or Corning ware dishes. Cut a cross on the top with a sharp knife before baking.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 45 minutes or until golden. The bread should sound hollow when tapped.
Serve hot with butter.
