Irish Soda Bread=032110

Irish Soda Bread

4 cups all purpose flour
2/3 cup sugar.
1 tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup dried currants
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup buttermilk
3 eggs

Preheat oven to 325°F.

Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, currants, and cheese. Stir in buttermilk and 2 eggs until dough forms.

On a floured surface, knead dough until smooth. Divide dough into 8 evenly sized pieces. Shape each piece into a round loaf.

Place 2-3" apart on baking sheet. Using a serrated knife, cut 1/2-inch deep X into the top of each loaf. Lightly beat remaining egg and brush over the tops of loaves.

Bake for 25 minutes, or until loaves are golden and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Let cool.