Irish Soda Bread

• 5 cups all-purpose unbleached flour
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 stick butter (1/4 lb)
• 2 1/2 cups raisins, soaked in water for 15 to 20 minutes and drained
• 2 1/2 cups buttermilk
• 1 large egg, slightly beaten

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Generously grease 2 small loaf pans or one cookie sheet. Stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Cut in the butter and mix very thoroughly with your hands until it becomes like breadcrumbs. Stir in raisins . Add the buttermilk and egg to the flour mixture. Stir until well moistened. Shape dough into 2 loaves and place in the pans OR shape into one round loaf on cookie sheet. Bake for 1 hour. Test with a toothpick for doneness. Cool in the pans for 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.