Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for raisins or currants 4 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch dice.
1 3/4 cups cold buttermilk shake before adding.
1 extra-large egg, lightly beaten. 1 teaspoon grated orange zest 1 cup raisins or dried currants Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
Combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add the butter and mix on low speed until the butter is mixed into the flour.
Lightly beat the buttermilk, egg, and orange zest together. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the buttermilk mixture to the flour mixture.
Combine the raisins with 1 tablespoon of flour and mix into the dough. It will be very wet.
Dump the dough onto a well-floured board and knead it a few times into a round loaf.
Place the loaf on the prepared sheet pan and lightly cut an X into the top of the bread with a serrated knife.
Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean.
If you tap the loaf, it will have a hollow sound. Cool on a baking rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.