Irish Soda Bread

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  Yes, I am a bit Irish, although not Catholic so we don't technically celebrate this holiday.  However, I went to Ireland in 2006 and got in touch with my ever so slight Irish roots.  While there, I fell in love with Soda Bread.  

I love all types of bread, but this bread is quite simple.  People who are scared to make bread can do this since there is no rising involved.

First of all, Soda Bread is simple.  Although it is changing, the Irish are not known for their cooking skills.  I used a recipe I found at www.sodabread.us.  This website has history of the bread, check it out, it is interesting.

White Soda Bread

Ingredients:

4 c. All purpose flour.
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp.  salt
14 oz buttermilk

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 425 F. degrees.  Lightly grease and flour a cake pan.

In a large bowl combine all the dry ingredients.

Add the buttermilk to form a sticky dough.  Place on floured surface and lightly knead (too much allows the gas to escape)

Shape into a round flat shape in a round cake pan and cut a cross in the top of the dough.

Cover the pan with another pan and bake for 30 minutes (this simulates the bastible pot).  Remove cover and bake for an additional 15 minutes.

The bottom of the bread will have a hollow sound when tapped to show it is done.

Cover the bread in a tea towel and lightly sprinkle water on the cloth to keep the bread moist.

Enjoy!