This bread is simple to put together, and a staple in the bread baskets at Ariel's Restaurant in Brookfield, VT. It has an unusual but enticing hint of fennel, and is loaded with bursts of sweetness from the currants or golden raisins within.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter and flour, or spray with pan spray, a 10" round cake pan, 10" springform pan, or a 2-quart round casserole dish.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix in the fennel seeds and currants or raisins.
Whisk together the egg and buttermilk. Add to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Don't over-mix; the batter will be quite stiff.
Spread the batter in the prepared pan. Bake the bread for about 50 minutes, until it's golden brown. Remove it from the oven, and place it on a rack to cool for 15 minutes before tipping it out of the pan onto a rack to cool completely before slicing.
For the more traditional Wholemeal Limerick Soda Bread shown in our catalogue, substitute 3 cups (330g) Irish-Style Flour for the all-purpose flour in the recipe. For best results let the batter rest in the pan for 15 minutes before baking, to soften the flour's bran.
