Irish Soda Bread

In celebration of St. Patty's Day, here is a yummy festive recipe for you from my mother's recipe box.

-4 C. flour, sifted
-1/4 C. sugar
-1 tsp. salt
-1 tsp. baking powder
-2 Tbls. caraway seeds
-1/4 C butter
-2 C. raisins
-1 1/3 C. buttermilk
-1 egg
-1 tsp. baking soda
-1 beaten egg yolk

1. Combine flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Mix.
2. Add caraway seeds and cut in butter. Mix until contents are "grainy".
3. Add raisins.
4. In another bowl, combine buttermilk, egg, and baking soda. Stir into the dry mix.
5. Turn dough out onto floured board or counter and knead until smooth. Shape into a round ball.
6. Grease a 2 qt. casserole dish (bonus points if it has a lid). Score the top of the ball with a cross and brush the beaten egg yolk across the top.
7. Bake for 1 hour at 375 degrees.
8. Cool bread for 10 minutes in pot or pan, and then cool on rack.