Cranberry & Orange Sweet Soda Bread

Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/400°F/Gas 6. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, sugar, and orange zest. In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, beaten eggs, and orange juice. Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Add cranberries and candied orange peel if using. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, quickly mix until just combined - don't overmix. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. Turn onto a floured surface and gently shape into a round loaf. Place on a lined baking tray. Score a deep cross on top with a sharp knife. Bake for 50-55 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.