Soda Bread

ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup raisins, dried currants or chopped dried fruit (optional)
3 Tbsp. granulated sugar
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 3/4 cups buttermilk
3 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1 egg
Topping: 1 Tbsp. whole wheat flour

method

In a large bowl, whisk all-purpose and whole wheat flour together. Add raisins (if using), sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

In a separate bowl, mix together buttermilk, oil and egg. Pour over dry ingredients and stir just until moistened and ragged.

Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface. With lightly floured hands, knead the dough gently 10 times or just until the dough holds together.

Place the dough onto a greased baking sheet . Flatten into a 9-inch circle, 3 inches thick. With a serrated knife, score the top of the loaf into sixths.

Dust top of loaf with whole wheat flour.

Bake in the center of a 350° F. oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until a cake tester inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool on pan on a rack, for 5 minutes. Cut into wedges or slices.

Variation: Fruity Soda Bread - Omit whole wheat flour and increase all-purpose flour to 4 cups. Add 1/3 cup each of raisins, currants, mixed candied fruit and chopped dried figs. Add 1-1/2 tsp. grated orange rind to buttermilk mixture. Omit dusting with flour. While bread is cooling, mix 1/2 cup icing sugar with 1 Tbsp. orange juice and spread over warm bread.

From the Canadian Living Complete Cookbook