Irish Soda Bread

Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl - flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.

Place raisins in a bowl and add about 2 tsp flour mixture, coat raisins. (This will help them from settling on the bottom.)

Using a pastry blender or mixer, cut in cold butter.

In a small bowl, combine buttermilk and egg, beat lightly with a fork.

Add liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients.

Fold raisins into mixture.

On a heavily floured surface, knead dough. Work with about half of the dough, you want to add enough flour so it's not sticky...but not too much.

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Line Dutch oven with parchment paper or spray with non-stick cooking spray. (Also you can use a cast iron skillet, baking dish, or cookie sheet.)

Form dough into a ball and place it in the pan.

Using a sharp knife, make an X on top of the bread.

Bake for 45-60 minutes, depending on the loaf side. When done if poked with a knife or toothpick it should come out clean.

Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.