Cookbook:Soda Bread

| Bread

Procedure

 * 1) Grease and flour an 8-inch (20 cm) round baking tin.
 * 2) Sift the white flour into a large mixing bowl.
 * 3) Add the other dry ingredients and mix thoroughly.
 * 4) Make a well in the centre of the bowl, pour in some of the buttermilk and, with a wooden spoon, gradually mix the flour into the buttermilk. Alternatively, make a volcano shape on a marble slab with the dry ingredients, add the buttermilk, and mix with a knife.
 * 5) Add more buttermilk and mix in more flour. Continue until the flour is completely absorbed into the mix. The mix should not be over-saturated, but have a slightly stretchy look. Handle it as little as possible. You can also ball it up into one or two balls, place them on a flat baking tray, and cut a cross in the top.
 * 6) Turn the mix into the baking tin and place in a medium hot oven (180°C or 350°F) for 35–45 minutes, or until golden brown.
 * 7) Leave to cool on a wire tray.

Notes, tips, and variations

 * When sifting the dry ingredients, sift the flour and baking soda five times through a sieve. This ensures even mixing of the ingredients and gives a better result.