Soda Bread

Tasty, cheap, quick... What's not to like? I have to confess that I'd never even heard of soda bread before my Sister offered me some, but then we all have to learn somehow, right? But after making it once, and another time and then realising that it takes half the time that normal bread takes and is that little bit richer, you kinda get used to it. Although I wouldn't recommend more than once a week, it's almost like eating a cake (especially if you put jam on it)...

INGREDIENTS

500g flour (half white. half wholemeal is best)
1tsp bicarbonate of soda
1tsp salt
40g melted butter
1tbsp treacle
300-350ml buttermilk

RECIPE

Combine the dry ingredients, taking care to combine them well. Then make a well in the centre before slowly pouring the buttermilk, butter and treacle in and forming a dough. Do not overwork the dough, simply bring it together with a knife, knead for one minute and shape it into a round before placing on a baking tray. Cut a cross through the bread, going deep but not all the way through and then cook at 180c for 25-35 minutes, carefully checking it to make sure it's cooking well. It's ready when it sounds hollow at the bottom, which you can check by softly knocking on it after taking it out.

Enjoy!