Irish Soda Bread

This recipe is a contest-winner and my all-time favorite version. Sometimes I make it without currants, sometimes I omit the caraway for those who prefer it without. But to make the genuine article, follow these directions exactly. Buttermilk is the secret ingredient.

2 1/2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1/2 cup currants
1 cup white raisins
1 tablespoon caraway seed

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Sift flour, baking powder, salt and soda and set aside.
Cream butter and sugar. Add beaten egg and buttermilk, and blend well. Add liquid mixture to dry ingredients. Mix by hand only until dry ingredients are well moistened. Fold in raisins, currants and caraway seeds. Pour into well-greased 6-8" shallow round pan (spring form works great). Brush top with melted butter and sprinkle with a little sugar. Bake for 30 minutes. Reduce heat to 325" and bake for another thirty minutes longer. Test in the middle of the loaf before removing from the oven.