Instructions

Preheat the oven to 450°F.

Mix the dry ingredients into a large bowl. If using currants, add them now. Stir in the milk to make a soft dough. Knead gently to bring the dough together, and shape into a flattened round loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Using a sharp knife, cut an X into the top of the loaf. Bake for 30 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 400° and bake for an additional 10 minutes. When done, the loaf will be golden brown on top and will sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Let cool, and serve with butter.