Focus on food: March 15, 2008

Irish Soda Bread

“ An Irish Feast Recipes by River View Caterers”

Ingredients:
2 cups All purpose flour
1 teaspoon Baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons butter, unsalted, cut in cubes
1 cup buttermilk
3 tablespoons cheddar cheese, finely grated

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking soda and salt. Cut in butter until the mixture is crumbly. Add 1 cup of buttermilk and knead together until dough has a soft and elastic consistency, about 1 minute. Shape into a round ball 1 ½ inches thick. Flatten top.

3. Sprinkle dough with flour and place on a floured baking sheet. With a knife, score top into six wedges. Bake 30 minutes. Brush on remaining 1 tbsp. Buttermilk and sprinkle cheese on top.

4. Bake an additional 15 minutes or until risen and lightly browned.

5. Wrap in a damp towel 10 minutes.

6. Unwrap and serve warm or at room temperature.

Makes 1 loaf