Irish Soda Bread

4 c. flour
3 Tbsp. sugar
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. baking soda
6 Tbsp. butter
1 1/2 c. raisins
1 Tbsp. caraway seeds
2 eggs
1 1/2 c. buttermilk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease a 9 inch round pan.

Combine flour, caraway, raisins, cubed butter, sugar, baking powder,salt and baking soda in a large bowl.

In a smaller bowl, whisk together buttermilk and 1 egg.  In separate bowl beat 1 egg with a bit of water to use for brushing top of bread.

On low speed, mix buttermilk mixture into flour mixture. Mix just until blended.  Place on a floured surface and knead about 10 times.  Shape into a ball and place into greased pan. 

Baste with the egg wash and then with a sharp knife cut a cross in the top.  Bake for 1 1/2 hours or until golden brown.  To store, wrap in plastic wrap as the soda bread will dry out quickly.

Guiness Butter

2 sticks butter, softened
3 oz. Guiness
2 Tbsp. honey

Mix it all together and use on nice warm Irish Soda Bread