Raisin Bread with Buttermilk (Irish Bannock)

This is an Irish bread very similar to an Irish Soda bread, except an authentic Irish Soda bread only has flour, buttermilk, salt and baking soda in it's ingredients. Here it is a very traditional type bannock, which includes raisins or currants and eggs. Quick, easy and tasty to whip up to enjoy at teatime or anytime.

4 cups all-purpose or bread flour
3 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. sea salt
¾ tsp. baking soda
1 cup currants or raisins
2 large eggs
1½ cups buttermilk

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C/160°C fan, Gas Mark 4).

Stir flour, baking powder, sea salt, baking soda and raisins together. Separately, fork-blend eggs and buttermilk, then add to dry ingredients. Stir until sticky batter is formed.

Scrape batter onto well floured surface and knead lightly. Shape batter into ball, then place in round non-stick casserole that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Mark a cross in the center, using a sharp knife.

Bake uncovered for about 1¼ hours.

Wait 10-15 minutes before attempting to remove bread from casserole, then cool on wire rack. If desired, cut loaf in quarters and then slice thinly.

Makes 6 servings.