Cranberry Soda Bread

Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins Preparation Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 1 hr

Ingredients

• Servings: 6
• 1 cup dried cranberries (or raisins)
• 1/2 cup irish whiskey (or hot water)
• 4 cups bread flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 2 -4 tablespoons caraway seeds (optional)
• 2 tablespoons very cold unsalted butter, cut in small pieces
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk

Recipe

• 1 combine the cranberries and whiskey (or hot water). cover and set aside to rehydrate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 12 hours.
• 2 preheat oven to 375°f for at least 30 minutes (while the cranberries soak, if not soaking early) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
• 3 in a medium bowl, whisk together flour, soda, salt and optional caraway. cut butter into flour with two knives, a pastry cutter, or your fingertips. add honey, buttermilk and cranberries (with their liquid). stir with a wooden spoon until combined.
• 4 knead on a lighty-floured work surface until smooth. it will still be sticky; do not add too much flour. form into a rough boule 6-8" in diameter and 1 1/2 to 1 3/4" thick. slash an x into the top with a sharp knife, about 1/2" deep.
• 5 bake in preheated oven 55-60 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. transfer to a rack to cool completely. if you prefer a softer crust, cover with a kitchen towel while cooling.