100% Whole Wheat Irish Soda Bread

Ingredients

• 4 cups whole wheat flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup butter (4 tablespoons)
• 1 1/4 cups raisins or currants
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 3/4 cups low-fat buttermilk (or substitute 1 1/2 C plain yogurt and 1/4 C milk)
• 1 tablespoon molasses or honey

Directions

1. 1

   In a big mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, soda, and salt.

2. 2

   Cut in butter until it reaches a coarse meal consistency. (I started with two knives, then finished the process with my fingers.).

3. 3

   Add raisins.

4. 4

   Combine liquids separately. Add liquids to dry ingredients.

5. 5

   Mix until a soft dough forms. At some point it will become hard to stir it, and it will be better to use your hands. Kneading the dough is the best way to combine all the ingredients completely -- knead it gently until it is smooth (about 3 minutes). You can knead it right there in the mixing bowl.

6. 6

   Shape the dough into two balls, and place them on a greased cookie sheet. Flatten each ball slightly and cut an X about 1/4" deep in the top of each loaf.

7. 7

   Bake at 375 for 35 minutes.