Irish Soda Bread with Raisins and Nuts

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose and whole-wheat flours, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt until evenly combined. Add the butter pieces. Using clean fingertips or a pastry cutter, rub the butter pieces into the mixture until it forms coarse crumbs. Then add in the walnuts, both types of raisins and the orange zest; mix to distribute evenly.
3. Gradually stir in 1 1/2 cups of buttermilk and the beaten egg. With your hands, knead the dough in the bowl until it just comes together and all ingredients are evenly combined. Form the dough into a round, place it on the baking sheet and flatten slightly. Brush the round all over with the remaining 2 Tablespoons of buttermilk. Use a sharp knife to cut an "x" into the top of the round.
4. Bake in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until nicely browned and a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature, plain or with a bit of jam or butter.