2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
¼ cup sugar (plus 1 tablespoon sugar for top)
4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (plus 1 tablespoon melted butter for top)
1 egg, beaten
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup currants (or raisins)

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt and mix well. Cut the butter and shortening into small pieces and add to the flour mixture. Add sugar.

Using your fingers, work the cold butter and sugar into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg and the buttermilk and combine with a fork. Add the currants and mix until it is incorporated.

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently until the dough forms a smooth ball. Place the dough into a lightly greased loaf pan. Score the top of the loaf with a very sharp knife. Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter. Sprinkle with sanding sugar. Place the loaf in the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown.