Irish Soda Bread

Ingredients:

1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (110 to 115)
3 tablespoons sugar, divided
1 cup warm buttermilk (110 to 115)
2 tablespoon butter or margarine, softened
1/2 teaspoon salt
1.2 teaspoon baking soda
3-1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
3.4 cup golden raisins

Directions:

In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add 1 tablespoon sugar; let stand for 5 minute. Beat in the buttermilk, butter, salt, baking soda, 1 cup flour and remaining sugar until smooth. Stir in raisins and enough flour to form a sof dough. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6 to 8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to
grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 40 minutes.

Pouch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead 2 minutes. Shape into a rouond loaf. Place on a greased baking sheet. With a sharp knife, cut a 1/4-in. deep cross on top of loaf. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes. Bake at 350 for 30 - 35 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan to cool on a wire rack. yield: l loaf.
The warm buttermilk will appear curdled.

Thanks to Loretta!