Recipes - Irish Soda Bread

Irish soda bread is one of those classics for Saint Partick's day.  Just about any establishment that does anything for the holiday does soda bread (corned beef and cabbage is the other big one).  This recipe is an easy, almost foolproof, version.  Enjoy.

Easy Irish Soda Bread
Ingredients:

        * 4 cups all-purpose flour
        * 4 tablespoons white sugar
        * 1 teaspoon baking soda
        * 1 tablespoon baking powder
        * 1/2 teaspoon salt
        * 1/2 cup margarine, softened
        * 1 cup buttermilk
        * 1 egg
        * 1/4 cup butter, melted
        * 1/4 cup buttermilk

    Directions:

    HINT: To give a real authentic look to your creation, before baking any
Irish bread recipe use a knife to cut a cross in the top of the loaf. According
to old Irish folklore, the cross will ward off the Devil.

    Preheat oven to 375° F. Lightly grease a large baking sheet. In a large
bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt and margarine.
Stir in 1 cup of buttermilk and egg.

    Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead slightly. 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 big cross into the top of the loaf.

    Bake in preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted
into the center of the loaf comes out clean, about 30 to 50 minutes. You may
continue to brush the loaf with the butter mixture while it bakes.

    This Irish bread recipe makes 1 (1 1/2 pound) loaf, 20 servings.