Irish Soda Bread

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 350°.
2. 2
   Grease well a 1 1/2-quart round casserole.
3. 3
   In large bowl with fork, mix flour and next 4 ingredients.
4. 4
   With pastry blender, cut in margarine or butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5. 5
   In cup with fork, beat eggs slightly.
6. 6
   Remove 1 tablespoon and reserve.
7. 7
   Stir butter, milk and remaining egg into flour mixture just until flour is moistened (dough will be sticky).
8. 8
   Turn dough into well-floured surface; with floured hands, knead about 10 strokes to mix thoroughly.
9. 9
   Shape dough into a ball; place in casserole.
10. 10
    In center of ball, with sharp knife, cut a 4-inch cross about 1/4-inch deep.
11. 11
    Brush dough with reserved egg.
12. 12
    Bake bread 1 hour and 10 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center of loaf comes out clean.
13. 13
    Cool in casserole on wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove from casserole and cool completely on wire rack.
14. 14
    Makes 1 loaf.