INGREDIENTS

4 cups all-purpose flour, plus a little extra for kneading

4 tbsp sugar

1 tsp baking soda

1 ½ tsp salt

4 tbsp or ½ stick cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces 

1 ¾ cup cold buttermilk

1 large egg

1 tbsp orange zest

1 cup raisins

INSTRUCTIONS 

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl or in a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine flour, sugar, baking soda and salt.

Add butter, mix on low speed until butter is mixed into flour.

In a small bowl, mix buttermilk, egg and orange zest with a fork until blended.

With a mixer on low speed, add wet ingredients to the dry.

Add raisins, mix until just blended like biscuit dough (dough will be wet and tacky).

Dump dough onto a well floured board, knead into a round loaf (about 2 minutes). Place on a prepared baking sheet, cut an X into the center of the loaf with a serrated knife.

Brush a wee bit of buttermilk on the outside of the loaf.

Bake for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean, and will sound hollow when tapped on.

Cool on a baking rack. Slice and serve warm.