Procedures

1. 1

   Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat to 400°F. Place port and raisins in a microwavable dish and microwave on high for 1 minute; remove from microwave and mix, then microwave until steaming hot, about 1 minute longer. Remove from microwave and let rest on the counter.

2. 2

   In a large bowl whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda. Using your fingers, mix 5 tablespoons of butter into flour mixture until mixture resembles a coarse meal. In a medium bowl, whisk egg and buttermilk together until homogenous. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add buttermilk mixture. Drain raisins and add to well. Using a wooden spoon, mix until a wet dough forms.

3. 3

   Turn out dough onto a floured surface and knead for two minutes. Form dough into a 10-inch round. Grease a baking sheet using remaining butter. Place round on the baking sheet and dust with flour, then using a sharp knife or serrated bread knife, make an ‘X’ over the top of the loaf.

4. 4

   Bake until soda bread is brown and cooked through, about 25 minutes. Allow to rest at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving.