Spotted Dog Soda Bread

(Spotted Dog because of the Raisins)

Ingredients

3 ½ Cups all-purpose flour

4 Tablespoons vegetable shortening, cold

4 Tablespoons granulated sugar

1 ½ Teaspoons baking powder

¾ Teaspoon baking soda

½ Teaspoon salt

1 Cup + 1 table spoon buttermilk

¾ Cup raisins

2 Tablespoons caraway seeds, optional

Directions


In a large mixing bowl mix all the dry ingredients. Add the vegetable shortening and rub into the flour mixture with your hands or a fork, until it resembles sand. Add buttermilk slowly and mix well until it forms a dough, it is better if the dough is a bit wet/sticky since you will be kneading it and adding some flour. Turn the dough out on to a well floured surface and knead dough until it’s smooth and no longer sticky. Form dough into a ball and flatten just a little bit (don’t worry it will rise in the oven). With a serrated knife cut a large X into the top of the loaf, about ½ inch deep. Let loaf sit on counter top for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it into the oven. Bake for approximately 30-45 minutes, or when tapping on the bottom of the bread produces a hallow sound. Enjoy!!