Irish Soda Bread

Martha Storey and friends think that this delicious fruit-studded bread is good 365 days a year, not just on St. Patrick's Day. it is one of the easiest breads you'll over make, they say, since there is no yeast.

Ingredients
4 cups organic gluten flour
1 tablespoon salt
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup raisins or dried currants (optional)
1 1/2 - 2 cups buttermilk (or use regular milk combined with 2 teaspoons white or cider vinegar.

1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Butter a baking sheet or cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, baking powder, and soda, then stir in the raisins, if desired. Add enough buttermilk to make a soft, kneadable dough.
3. Turn out the dough onto a floured surface and knead it briefly. Shape it into a round loaf and place it on the baking sheet. Cut a cross in the top of the loaf with a single-edged razor blade or a very sharp floured knife.
4. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from oven and cool on a rack.Yield: 1 loaf