St. Patricks Soda Bread

 

The Best Irish Soda Bread around      (serve with corn beef and cabbage)                         Linda Lowe

Ingreients

4 cups flour

4 Tbs. white sugar

1 tsp. baking soda

1 Tbs. bakingpowder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup butter (softened)

1 cup buttermilk

1 egg

1/4 cup butter melted

1/4 cup buttermilk

Directions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees  Lightly grease a large baking sheet.  In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt and butter.  Stir in 1 cup of buttermilk & egg.    Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead sllightly  Form dough into a round and place on prepared baking sheet.  In a small bowl, combine melted butter with 1/4 cup buttermilk; brush loaf with this mixture.  Use a sharp knife to cut a large X into the top of the loaf.   Bake in a preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean- 45-50 minutes.  Check for doneness after 30 minutes. You may continue to brush the loaf with the butter mixture while it bakes.

*try individual scones adding orange zest, craisins or raisins (makes 10) Bake 400- 15 minutes 

Best made with real buttermilk but you can also acidify milk with lemon juice or white vinegar. Add 2 scant tablespoons to a measuring cup and top with whole milk to make 1 3/4 cups total. Stir and let sit for a few minutes until the mixture curdles, then proceed with the recipe as written.