“When I lived up on the mountain in the early 80s, I made sure I never ran out of ingredients to make this.”

This recipe provides a classic American take on Irish Soda Bread, featuring a slightly sweeter flavor and a tender crumb. The addition of raisins or currants adds a delightful touch of sweetness and texture. It’s a simple, comforting bread perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

Garnish:

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cut in Butter: Using your hands or a pastry cutter, work the room-temperature butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add Wet Ingredients and Raisins: Add the buttermilk, lightly beaten egg, and raisins or currants to the bowl. Stir with a fork until the mixture forms a dough.
5. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface. Knead the dough until it comes together and is slightly bumpy, about 12 to 14 kneads.
6. Shape the Bread: Form the dough into a 6-inch diameter disk.
7. Prepare for Baking: Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet. Cut a cross shape on the top of the dough.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs (not wet). If the bread is browning too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil.
9. Garnish: Once removed from the oven, brush the top of the bread with melted butter.
10. Serve: Serve warm with butter. Enjoy!