Soda Bread

Directions

1. 1
   Smear 2 tablespoons of the butter evenly in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet.
2. 2
   Line the buttered skillet with a circle of waxed paper. Melt 2 more tablespoons butter and set aside.
3. 3
   Preheat oven to 350°.
4. 4
   Sift dry ingredients together.
5. 5
   Add currants to dry ingredients.
6. 6
   Toss well.
7. 7
   Whisk together buttermilk, eggs and melted butter.
8. 8
   Add to the dry ingredients.
9. 9
   (Add caraway seed, if desired.)
10. 10
    Mix until just blended.
11. 11
    Spoon batter into the prepared skillet and smooth top.
12. 12
    Dot the top with remaining 2 tablespoons butter.
13. 13
    Bake until golden brown and puffed, about 60 minutes. Cool slightly; remove from skillet and cool completely on a rack.