Classic Soda Bread

Preheat an oven to 425°F (220°C). Spray an 8-inch (20-cm) tall-sided round cake pan with baking spray with flour.

In a large bowl, whisk together the 6 cups flour, the sugar, baking soda and salt. Stir in the raisins. Gradually add the buttermilk and melted butter, stirring just until the dry ingredients are moistened. Using your hands, knead the dough in the bowl just until ingredients are combined.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape dough into a ball. Press evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with remaining 1 tsp. flour. With a sharp knife, score a shallow “X” on top of the dough.

Bake until golden brown and a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes, loosely covering the pan with aluminum foil halfway through the baking time to prevent excess browning, if necessary. (The dough will rise 1 to 1 1/2 inches above the rim of the cake pan while baking.) Transfer to a wire rack and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before serving warm. Makes one 8-inch (20-cm) loaf; serves 8.

Recipe credit: Hoffman Media