Irish Soda Bread

source

It's St. Patrick's Day this week and if you know me, you can imagine how much I love this holiday.  I lived in Ireland for a year and a half serving a mission for my Church and absolutely fell in love with the people and the culture.  And even though the food wasn't as rich and flavorful as I was use to back at home, I loved it and embraced it all.  Except black pudding..... never did quite get used to that.  But this week I will be posting some of my favorite Irish-inspired recipes (Americanized a wee bit) for you to enjoy.  Let's get this party started!

{What you need}

• 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

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). 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 an 'X' into the top of the loaf.

Bake in preheated oven for 35 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean, check at 30 minutes. You may continue to brush the loaf with the butter mixture while it bakes.

(Compliments of MP Welty)