BRIAN BROPHY'S IRISH SODA BREAD

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl.
• Toss mixture with hands or wire whisk to make it light and airy.
• Put dry mixture and butter into a food processor and pulse a few times until butter is the size of peas Return to bowl and add raisins and/or caraway seeds if using.
• Beat eggs in a separate bowl, add buttermilk and blend well.
• Pour egg mixture, a little at a time, into dry mixture.
• Blend well with a spoon or spatula.
• Don't overmix.
• Dough should be heavy, but not too wet.
• If too dry, add a little more buttermilk.
• Dust hands with flour and mold dough into a round.
• Place dough into a greased 9" round pan.
• Dust top generously with flour.
• Cut a deep cross into the dough.
• This will prevent the bread from cracking, and it looks traditional.
• Bake at 350°F for one hour, or until well browned and center is not doughy.
• Cool on rack, and serve warm w/butter and jam.