Irish Soda Bread

Sorry about the late post today everyone!  I didn't get around to baking this delicious bread yesterday like I had originally planned, so I got up early today to bake it.  It was better this way anyways, because this bread with some jam made for an excellent breakfast. 

I was first introduced to Irish Soda Bread in college by one of my housemates.  She would dye her bread green, which we all loved because it just looked hilarious.  However I like the way it looks naturally.  It's an extremely dense and rustic bread, perfect for dipping into your favorite stew.  Or like I said, spreading some jam on it.  Either way, this bread is seriously so easy to make!

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 butter, softened
1 cup buttermilk
1 egg
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup buttermilk

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.  Stir in butter.  If you don't have a stand mixer (I would kill for one), don't try to use a hand mixer...it goes everywhere!  Just use a whisk, or even better, clean hands.

3. Stir in 1 cup of buttermilk and the egg.
4. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead softly. 
5. Form dough into a round and place on prepared baking sheet.
6. In a small bowl, combine melted butter with 1/4 cup buttermilk.  Brush the loaf with this mixture.

7. Using a knife, carve an "X" into the top of the loaf. 
8. Bake in preheated oven and continue brushing the loaf with the butter mixture ever 10-15 minutes.
9. Bake for about 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. 

Tips:

• The outside of the loaf might look done but the inside could still be dough-y, so definitely insert that toothpick!
• For a more traditional Irish Soda Bread, you can also add raisins to the dough.

I hope you enjoy this recipe!  It's always a big hit at our St. Patrick's Day parties.  What are your plans for St. Patrick's Day this year?  I hope you all have a fun and safe weekend!

Recipe adapted from allrecipes.com