CRUSTY IRISH SODA MUFFINS

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon soda
1/4 cup sugar (optional)
1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom or cinnamon
4 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 cup raisins
1 egg
1 3/4 cups buttermilk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Well-grease 18 (2-inhc) muffin pan cups.

In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, baking powder, soda, sugar, and spice. Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut butter into flour mixture until even crumbs form. Stir in raisins until well coated; set aside.

Beat the egg slightly and mix with the buttermilk; add to dry ingredients and stir just until well blended (batter will be very thick). Spoon into prepared muffin cups (cups will be full).

Bake in a 350F oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until golden. Turn out of pans immediately; serve hot.

Makes 18 muffins
Source: Sunset magazine