We are all looking for satisfying and Seriously Simple recipes at this turbulent time. Quick breads fit into this genre, as they are easy to put together. Quick breads use baking powder, baking soda or cream of tartar to leaven the breads rather than yeast. In this case, both soda and baking powder are used. These breads are made quickly and with little stirring so that the ingredients can rise.

If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute with citrus or vinegar and milk. You'll find easy buttermilk recipes online. All the other ingredients are pantry items. If you don't have currants, substitute with any dried fruit you have on hand such as dried cranberries or raisins. And caraway seeds aren't necessary.

This bread might just lift your spirits. You will get a much better rise by adding both baking soda and baking powder together along with the requisite buttermilk to help stir up the leavening action. What I love about this bread is that it is very crusty on the outside and the bottom of the loaf, yet the interior has a tender crumb.

Serve this along with any meal or for either breakfast or tea. Be sure to have some soft unsalted butter on the side. To sweeten it up, try a lovely fruit jam or even lemon curd. It's best served warm. I also like to serve this along with a hunk of sharp cheddar cheese and a crisp, sliced apple for a light lunch.

Irish Soda Bread

Makes 1 loaf

2 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour, plus more for the pan and top of the loaf

3 tablespoons sugar

1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon fine sea salt

3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1/2 cup dried currants (optional)

1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons buttermilk, as needed

1. Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400 F. Dust the bottom of an 8-inch round cake pan with flour.

2. Sift the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt together into a large bowl. Add the butter and stir to coat with the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut in the butter until the mixture is crumbly, with some pea-size pieces of butter.

3. Stir in the currants and caraway seeds (if using). Stir in enough of the buttermilk to make a moist, soft dough, being sure to moisten all the dry bits on the bottom of the bowl. Knead in the bowl just a few times to be sure the dough comes together -- this is not a smooth dough.

4. Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and shape into a ball. Sprinkle the top with at least 1 tablespoon of flour to give the loaf a rustic look. Transfer to the prepared pan. Using a sharp knife, cut a shallow 4-inch wide X in the top of the dough. The X will open during baking and help the loaf bake more evenly.

5. Bake until the top is deep golden-brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom, 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from the pan. Let cool on a wire cooling rack for 5 to 10 minutes; serve warm. The bread is best the day it is made.

(Diane Rossen Worthington is an authority on new American cooking. She is the author of 18 cookbooks, including "Seriously Simple Parties," and a James Beard Award-winning radio show host. You can contact her at www.seriouslysimple.com.)