Tea on Tuesday: Irish Soda Bread

Ingredients:
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 3 tablespoons margarine or butter
* 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
* 1 egg white, slightly beaten
* 3/4 cup buttermilk
* Nonstick cooking spray
* 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:
1. In a medium mixing bowl stir together flour, baking powder, soda, and salt. Cut in margarine or butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in raisins, if desired. Make a well in the center of the mixture.

2. In a small mixing bowl combine egg white and buttermilk. Add all at once to dry mixture. Stir just until moistened.

3. On a lightly floured surface knead dough 10 to 12 strokes until nearly smooth. Shape into a 7-inch round loaf.

4. Lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray Place bread dough on baking sheet. With a sharp knife, make 2 slashes in the top to form an X.

5. Bake in a 375 degree F oven about 30 minutes or until golden. Serve warm.

Makes 1 loaf (16 servings).

~~ yummy recipe and photo from: BHG~~