Irish soda bread

I've had a bit of a love affair with Irish Soda bread for a few months now. Ever since I picked up a loaf to surprise Travis on St. Patrick's Day. Its hearty, just the right amount of sweet to set it apart from regular sandwich bread, and super quick and easy to make.

Original recipe.

I got a really good recipe from my mom. Its simple, easy, quick. But it was not quite what I want, its very good, but needed a touch more sweet for me. I tried it a second way, but it still wasn't there. However, as the saying goes, the third time was the charm for me! I'll share the original recipe, and my slight changes.

Sift together:
2 cups all-purpose flour [my edit: heaping cups]

1/2 t. baking soda

2 t. baking powder

1 T. sugar [my edit: 2 T brown sugar]

1/2 t. salt

Cut in:
3 T. softened butter

With my adjustments.

Add: 
1/2 cup raisins

1 cup buttermilk (scant cup regular milk with 1 T. vinegar to sour)

Mix thoroughly.

Turn out dough on floured board (don't skimp on the flour, its a sticky dough!), sprinkle a bit more flour on top, flour your hands, and knead for 2-3 minutes. Shape into round loaf.

Place in greased 8 or 9 inch cake pan. Cut a "cross" on top, about 1" deep, with floured knife (this helps get the heat down inside).

Bake in 350 degree oven for 30 - 45 minutes or until golden brown.

Let cool for 10 minutes+ before slicing.

I prefer mine sliced thick with a good slather of butter. 

Enjoy!