WHAT COULD BE MORE AMERICAN THAN FOOD FROM THE LAST HORDE OF UNWANTEDS?

Baking soda, buttermilk rise to the occasion (ELIZABETH PUDWILL, 7/04/2007, Houston Chronicle)

Irish Soda Bread

* 4 cups flour, white or whole wheat
* 1 cup sugar
* ½ teaspoon baking soda
* 4½ teaspoons baking powder
* ¾ teaspoon salt
* ½ cup raisins
* ½ teaspoon caraway seeds, or more to taste
* 1 egg
* 1¼ cups buttermilk or sour milk
* ¼ cup shortening, melted
* Butter

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Sift the flour, sugar, soda, powder and salt together; stir in the raisins and caraway seeds.

In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg and buttermilk; stir in the melted shortening.

Combine the wet and dry ingredients.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured board. Knead lightly for about 1 minute.

Shape into a round loaf. Score in quarters, and dot each section with butter.

Allow the dough to stand 10 to 15 minutes before baking it for about an hour.