The Bake Escape: Irish Soda Bread

So, I had never eaten or baked this bread before, so I am not sure what it is supposed to taste like. But it is interesting, and not in a bad way. It has a very distinctive flavor. No, I don't want to make this bread again and again, but it is fun to make around St. Patrick's Day. I also think it is really cool that it tastes as good as it does without using any yeast.

Quick story about this bread before I move on to the recipe. We had a potluck on St. Patrick's Day at work. I brought the Irish soda bread. After lunch, I ran it up to our breakroom and put it in th fridge. When I came up three hours late to claim my bread, someone had taken it. I was shocked. I work with a bunch of elderly volunteers doing Church history. I guess it must of just looked that good.

Irish Soda Bread (from Our Best Bites blog)

1 cup flour

2 3/4 cups whole wheat flour

1 1/4 teaspoons salt

1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoons white sugar

4 Tbs butter

2 cups buttermilk

1/4 cup vegetable oil

For Topping:

1 tablespoon buttermilk or milk

1 teaspoon white sugar

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a cookie sheet or other shallow baking pan.

Whisk together the flour, whole wheat flour, salt, baking soda, and 2 teaspoons sugar in a bowl.

Cut the butter into the flour mixture until pieces are crumb-size.

Make a well in the center of the mixture and pour in the oil and buttermilk. (As you can tell, I underestimated the depth that would be needed so make a large well.

Stir with a spatula until dry mixture is completely moistened. Move the dough to a lightly-floured surface. Lightly knead the dough a few times and then form into a round ball and pat down a little.

Place the dough into the prepared pan; pat down and around to form a round loaf. Cut a cross into the top of the loaf with a sharp knife. Brush the top with 1 tablespoon buttermilk or milk, and sprinkle 1 teaspoon sugar over the top.