Irish Soda Bread

Happy St. Patrick's Day with homemade Irish Soda Bread, recipe 
courtesy of Ina Garten.

Ingredients:

4 cups all purpose flour, plus extra for currants
4 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2 inch dice
1 3/4 cups cold buttermilk, shaken
1 extra large egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon grated fresh orange zest
1 cup dried currants (or raisins)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

Combine the flour, sugar, baking soda and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.  

Add the butter and mix on low speed until the butter is mixed into the flour.

With a fork, lightly beat the buttermilk, egg and orange zest together in a measuring cup.  

With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the buttermilk mixture to the flour mixture.  Combine the currants with 1 tablespoon of flour and mix into the dough.  It will be very wet.

Dump the dough onto a well-floured board and knead it a few times into a round loaf.  Place the loaf on the prepared sheet pan and lightly cut an X into the top of the bread with a serrated knife.  

Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean.  (Mine took 50 minutes).  When you tap the loaf it will have a hollow sound.

Cool on a baking rack.  Serve warm or at room temperature.