Irish Soda Bread Recipe

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Stoneware Baking Dish

2 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup raisins, if desired
3/4 cup buttermilk

Celtic Knot Wood Trivet
Celtic Knot Wood Trivet

Directions
1 Heat oven to 375ºF. Spray Artists At Heart stoneware baker.
2 Cut butter into flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt in large bowl, using pastry blender until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Stir in raisins and just enough buttermilk so dough leaves side of bowl.
3 Turn dough onto lightly floured surface. Knead 2 minutes or until smooth. Shape into round loaf, about 6 1/2 inches in diameter. Place in baking dish. Cut an X shape about 1/2 inch deep through loaf with floured knife. Bake 35-45 minutes until golden brown. Brush with butter or margarine, softened, if desired. You can serve your fresh hot bread on a handmade wooden Celtic trivet.