Irish Wheat Bread

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 375F.
2. 2
   Grease two 8-inch-diameter cake pans.
3. 3
   Stir first 5 ingredients in large bowl.
4. 4
   Stir in currants.
5. 5
   Whisk buttermilk, butter and egg in small bowl.
6. 6
   Add to dry ingredients and stir just until combined.
7. 7
   Knead mixture briefly in bowl until dough comes together.
8. 8
   Turn out onto floured surface and knead until smooth, about 2 minutes.
9. 9
   Divide dough into 2 pieces.
10. 10
    Shape each into round loaf.
11. 11
    Transfer to prepared pans.
12. 12
    Using sharp knife, cut an x on surface of each loaf, cutting about 1/2 inch deep.
13. 13
    Bake until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 50 minutes.
14. 14
    Turn out loaves onto racks; cool.
15. 15
    (Can be made 1 day ahead.
16. 16
    Wrap in plastic; store at room temperature.)