Yeasted-Raised Irish Soda Bread

• 2 1/4 – 2 3/4 c. unsifted flour
• 3 tbsp. sugar
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 tbsp. caraway seed
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1 pkg. or 1 tbsp. yeast
• 1 c. buttermilk
• 2 tbsp. margarine
• 3/4 c. dark seedless raisins

In a small mixer bowl thoroughly mix 1 c. flour, sugar, salt, caraway seed, baking soda and undissolved yeast. Combine buttermilk and margarine in a saucepan. Heat over low heat until liquid is very warm (120-130 degrees). Margarine does not need to melt. Gradually add to dry ingredients, and beat 2 minutes at medium speed of electric mixer. Add 1/4 c. flour and continue beating for 2 minutes more. Add raisins and enough additional flour to make a soft dough and mix by hand. Cover bowl; let rise in warm place until doubled in bulk, about 50 minutes. Punch down, and turn out onto lightly floured surface. Knead 20 times. Form a smooth, round ball and place on greased baking sheet or place in greased loaf pan. Cover; let rise in warm place until doubled in bulk. Bake in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes.