Brown Irish Soda Bread

Brown Irish Soda Bread

Makes 2 loaves

Parchment paper

4 cups whole-wheat flour

4 cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon salt

2 rounded teaspoons baking soda

About 3 cups buttermilk

1 egg

2 tablespoons butter, melted

½ cup currants

1 cup golden raisins

1 tablespoon milk

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

2. In a large bowl, lightly mix together the whole wheat and all-purpose flours; add the sugar, salt and soda. Make a well in the center. Lightly whisk together the buttermilk, egg and melted butter. Pour into the center of the well. Using one hand, mix in the flour from the sides of the bowl. Mix in the currants and raisins.

3. When the dough comes together, turn out onto a lightly floured surface and divide in half. Shape into rounds about 2 inches deep. Transfer to the parchment-lined baking sheet. Mark each top with a deep cross and brush with milk. Bake on center oven rack 20 minutes. Reduce the heat to 400 degrees and continue baking about 25 minutes longer, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.

4. Remove from the oven and transfer to racks to cool.

From "The Complete Book of Irish Country Cooking" by Darina Allen