Recipe: Irish Soda Bread (using buttermilk, baked in a casserole)

IRISH SODA BREAD



4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon Argo Baking Powder
1 teaspoon Spice Islands Caraway Seed
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups raisins*
1 egg
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1 egg white

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, caraway seed, salt, and baking soda in large mixing bowl. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Stir in raisins, egg, and buttermilk; mix until ingredients are just blended (dough will be somewhat dry).

Turn out onto well floured surface and with floured hands knead dough 8 to 10 strokes. Shape dough into a ball; place in greased 2 quart round casserole dish. Brush dough with egg white.

Bake 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. (Cover top of bread with foil after 1 hour of baking to prevent over browning). Cool bread in casserole dish 10 minutes. Remove bread from casserole and cool completely on wire rack.

*Golden currents can be substituted for the raisins.

Makes 1 loaf
Source: Argo, ACH Food Companies, Inc.