Irish Soda Bread

3 T butter softened
2 1/2 c all purpose flour
2 T sugar
1 t soda
1 t powder
1/2 t salt
3/4 c buttermilk

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees & grease cookie sheet
2. Cut butter into flour, sugar, soda, powder, salt in large bowl using pastry blender (or criscrossing two knives) until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Stir in just enough buttermilk so dough leaves sides of bowl.
3. Turn dough onto lightly floured surface and knead 1-2 minutes or until smooth. Shape into round loaf about 6 1/2 inches in diamater. Place on cookie sheet and cut an X in top about 1/2 inch deap with floured knife.
4. Bake 35-45 min until golden brown. Brush with softened butter if desired.