Irish Soda Bread

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9” pie plate.
 
Combine all-purpose flour with the quick oats, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in a medium mixing bowl. Stir well. Cut in 4 Tbsp. butter until butter is coated with flour and in pea-sized pieces.

In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, maple syrup, and eggs. Beat slightly. Add to dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Add currants and optional caraway seeds.
           
Sprinkle flour on a wooden cutting board and turn dough onto board. Knead gently 10 times, until the dough is well-dusted with flour.

Form into a round and turn onto the greased pie plate. Cut a cross in the center, about 3” long and 1” deep.

Bake for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool on a wire rack before slicing.