Irish Soda Bread (Spotted Dog Variety)

Happy St. Patty's Day! This is not a traditional Irish Soda Bread I will admit, but I do like this version as it is a little sweeter and has a little more flavor. Enjoy!

4 c. all purpose flour
4 Tbsp. white sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. caraway seed
1/2 c. butter, softened
1 c. buttermilk
1 1/2 c. golden raisins
1 egg
1/4 c. buttermilk and 1/4 c. butter for basting

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Soak the golden raisins in the 1 c. buttermilk and set aside. (You're going to want them to soak for 10-15 minutes before it's added to the batter.)
3. Combine flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and caraway seed in large mixing bowl. Cut in butter.
4. Add buttermilk, raisins, and egg (slightly beaten).
5. Knead slightly on a lightly floured surface. Caution: this is a very crumbly and dry dough, so don't panic if it seems too dry. Form in round loaf and cut a cross into the dough (to let the fairies out!). Place the loaf onto a greased cookie sheet.
6. Combing the 1/4 c. buttermilk and 1/4 c. butter in a small bowl. Brush mixture over loaf and sprinkle a little sugar on top if you like it sweet.
   
7. Bake for 50 minutes or until golden brown and an inserted toothpick goes out clean. During cooking time, baste the loaf with the buttermilk and butter mixture ever 10-15 minutes.