Irish Soda Bread

Unfortunately there is no picture for this recipe, as we started eating it before I remembered to take a photo!

Soda Bread takes five minutes to make and is dead easy. It doesn't need resting or prooving time and is best served immediately (well cooled a little first!)

The Bicarbonate of Soda in the recipe is what helps the bread to rise, so you don't need any yeast.

Ingredients:

500g Strong Brown Bread Flour

500ml Buttermilk

1/2 tsp Bicarbonate of Soda

1/2 tsp salt

To Make:

Heat oven to 190'c

Mix all dry ingredients together.

Make a well in the centre and add the buttermilk, a little at time, a 100ml or so each go.

When all the ingredients are combined, turn out, kneed lightly and shape into a ball.

Press a cross into the top.

Bake in oven for about 45-50 minutes.

When ready tap the bottom, if the bread sounds hollow it is ready, if not continue baking for a few minutes longer.

Tips:

If you cannot get buttermilk, squeeze half a lemon into a pint of milk and leave to separate for a few minutes.

If your dough is a little dry after adding the buttermilk add a tablespoon of mayonnaise.