Not-So-Irish Soda Bread

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare a 10-inch skillet by greasing it well and lining the bottom with parchment or wax paper.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, well-beaten eggs, and 2 tablespoons of the melted butter.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet buttermilk mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir just until everything is combined.

5. Fold in Raisins and Caraway Seeds

Gently fold in the raisins or currants and caraway seeds into the batter.

6. Pour Batter and Brush with Butter

Pour the batter into the prepared skillet, spreading it out evenly. Brush the top of the batter with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter.

7. Bake the Bread

Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, until golden and firm to the touch.

8. Cool and Serve

Let the bread cool in the skillet for about 10 minutes. Serve warm, sliced, with aged Cheddar cheese and tart apple slices.