Irish Soda Bread with Raisins

A favorite recipe for St. Patrick's Day, the classic Irish soda bread, is fermented with baking soda and some sour ingredient, usually buttermilk. Raisins add sweetness to this rich bread.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.Lightly pour the flour into dry measuring cups; smooth with a knife. Combine the flour and the following 4 ingredients in a large bowl; beat the butter using a pastry blender or 2 knives until the mixture resembles coarse flour. Add the raisins. Add the buttermilk; stir with a fork until smooth.Place the dough on a lightly floured surface; knead 3-4 times.Place the dough in an 8-inch-diameter circular mold, smeared with cooking spray.Bake at 350 ° C for 30 minutes or until lightly browned. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Cut into 12 slices.