Jennifer's Week Nineteen Recipe: Irish Soda Bread

I have been a bad blogger and I have neglected to post my last two recipes. Let's remedy that, shall we?


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

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet.
2. 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 an 'X' into the top of the loaf.
3. 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.

Would I make this again? Perhaps. It did turn out a bit dry, but that could have been over-baking or being distracted by my son and not brushing the butter mixture on as often as I should have... or both. Or it could be my oven. I do believe I have mentioned my dislike for that appliance. I would probably give this recipe another go before I look for another one. Next time I will just have to send the boyo outside!