Irish Soda Bread

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 5 tablespoons sugar, divided
• 1 ^1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 3 tablespoons butter, chilled, cut into cubes
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup raisins

Procedure:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Spray an 8-inch cake pan with nonstick spray.
3. Mix the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in large bowl.
4. For the sugar, divide in half. The first half will be mixed with the dry ingredients in step three and the remainder will be sprinkled on top of the bread prior to baking.
5. Using a bench knife, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles a coarse meal.
6. Make a well in the center of flour mixture, and add the dairy, mixing gently to combine. Once combined, mix in the raisins.
7. Transfer to a prepared pan and press the dough flat; sprinkle the remaining sugar over the top of the bread.
8. Bake the bread for 40 minutes, or until golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool the bread on a rack.