IRISH SWEET CAKE/SPOTTED DOG

IRISH SWEET CAKE/SPOTTED DOG image

Provided by Rose Mary Mogan

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 7

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4 c all purpose flour (sifted)
1-2 Tbsp sugar, (i used 2)
1 tsp salt (level)
1 tsp baking soda (sifted)
3/4 c raisins, currants, or golden raisins ( i used about twice as much)
1 1/4 c sour milk or butter milk ( i had to use more)
1 large egg (free range if available)

Steps:

1. I wanted to make an easy bread to go with the Braised Steaks, from ingredients that I already had on hand. This recipe worked perfectly. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
2. Measure flour into a large bowl. Make a well in the middle and add salt, baking soda, sugar & 1 whole egg.
3. With one hand gradually begin to work flour into center from sides of bowl.
4. Then add buttermilk, drained raisins, and continue to add more flour into mix.
5. Dough should be soft and pliable but not stickey. Knead bread and shape into a 1 1/2 inch size tall ball.
6. Place in a greased cast iron skillet. MY CHOICE, ORIGINAL RECIPE DID NOT SAY TO GREASE SKILLET.
7. Cut a deep cross about 1 1/2 inch deep with a serrated knife into top of bread. I CHOSE TO SPRAY TOP WITH NON STICK COOKING SPRAY.
8. Bake in preheated 450 degree F oven for 15 minutes. Then Lower temperature to 400 Degrees F. and continue to bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until bread sounds hallow when tapped on bottom.
9. Remove from oven. I CHOSE TO BRUSH TOP OF BREAD WITH BUTTER. Used an electric knife to slice bread into thick hearty slices.
10. Smear butter over sliced bread while still warm if desired. MY HUSBAND LOVED THIS BREAD, said it tasted similiar to Irish soda bread. It is similiar but only made with one type of flour instead of two. NOTE: I DID COVER MY RAISINS IN WATER & HEATED THEM IN MICROWAVE FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES, TO ADD A LITTLE MORE MOISTURE TO THE BREAD.