Irish Soda Bread

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1¼ cups of buttermilk
• 1 cup raisins (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 °F (can this be reduced to 350 ?),
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda and salt.
3. Add buttermilk and stir until it just comes together.
4. Stir in raisins (optional).
5. Knead into a flat ball and place on parchment paper covered baking tray.
6. Cut a deep cross across the top of the loaf.
7. Bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown, reducing the temperature to 350 °F after 5 minutes.
8. Remove from the oven, remove from the baking tray and allow to cool for at least 10 minutes.