IRISH SODA BREAD

IRISH SODA BREAD

6 cups flour

1 tbsp baking powder

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

2 tsp salt

1 tbsp and 1 tsp sugar

2 1/2 cups buttermilk

2 tbsp melted butter

1 1/2 cups raisins

preheat oven to 325°

Mix dry ingredients (excluding raisins) in a large bowl and set aside.
Stir togeather buttermilk, butter and raisins. Gradually add to flour the mixture, stirring until moist. Turn out the dough out onto a well-floured surface, and knead to a smooth and elastic consistency, about 5 minutes. Place on a greased baking sheet.
Press dough evenly into about a 1 1/2-inch-thick circle.
In a preheated oven, bake at 325° for about 1 hour or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped. Cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Serve cut into wedges.

Makes one 12-inch round loaf.