Orange-Raisin Soda Bread

An easy and delicious moist quick bread.The sweetness of the raisins enhance the light orange flavour. A variation of Irish soda bread. Homemade Irish Soda Bread is as much a part of Irish culture as the love of a cup of tea. Recipe from Kraft Canada.

• Ready In: 1 hr 5 mins
• Serves: 20

Ingredients

• 3  cups whole wheat flour
• 1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1⁄2 cup  cream of wheat (dry cereal)
• 2  tablespoons  cream of wheat (dry cereal)
• 3  tablespoons sugar
• 1  tablespoon baking powder
• 3⁄4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄4 cup  vegetable oil (or peanut oil)
• 1  cup raisins
• 1 1⁄4 cups 1% fat buttermilk (or skim milk with lemon juice)
• 2  eggs
• 1  tablespoon orange zest
• 1⁄2-3⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Directions

1. Mix flour, 1/2 cup of the cereal, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda in medium bowl.
2. Gradually add oil, stirring until mixture forms fine crumbs; Add raisins; mix well.
3. Place buttermilk, eggs, and orange peel in a large bowl; beat with wire whisk until well blended.
4. Add flour mixture into buttermilk mixture; stir until just moistened.
5. Place dough on floured surface; knead 10 times.
6. Shape into a ball; place on greased baking sheet which has been sprinkled with the remaining 2 tbsp of cereal.
7. Flatten ball to 7 inch round loaf; cut 1/4 inch deep 4 inch long "X" in the center of the loaf.
8. Bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown; cool on wire rack.