Easy Irish Soda Bread

We had this on St. Patrick's Day - but good & easy for any meal!
Rebecca Child

4 cups all-purpose flour 4 tablespoons white sugar 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup margarine, softened 1 cup buttermilk 1 egg 1/4 cup butter, melted 1/4 cup buttermilk Directions: Preheat oven to 375. Lightly grease a large baking sheet. In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt and margarine. Stir in 1 cup of buttermilk and egg. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead slightly. Form dough into a round and place on prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, combine melted butter with 1/4 cup buttermilk; brush loaf with this mixture. Use a sharp knife to cut an ''X'' into the top of the loaf. Bake in a preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean, about 30 to 50 minutes. You may continue to brush the loaf with the butter mixture while it bakes. Variation: use 2 cups white flour and 2 cups whole wheat flour inplace of the 4 cups flour, 1/4 cup golden raisins, chopped, 2 teaspoons caraway seeds, egg not needed, but add an additional 1/4 to 1/2 cup buttermilk-or enough to make a dough that is firm but not dry Number Of Servings:20 Preparation Time:15 min., 50 min. cook