Soda bread

Soda Bread

Soda bread is a quick and cheap way of bread making that will always impress your guests (unless they know how easy it is). In Ireland, traditionally before being baked, the round dough is cut to make a cross; allegedly to ward off the devil and evil spirits. Although it is probable that the cross is used to help with the cooking of the bread and is a great guideline for even slices, I'll stick with the theory that it's there to let the fairies out.

300g plain flour
200g wholemeal flour
1tsp bicarbonate soda
1tsp salt
40g butter
340g buttermilk (or milk with 1tbsp juice of lemon)
1tbsp golden syrup

Heat the oven to 200C.

Place all ingredients in a large bowl and mix together using a wooden spoon. Use your hands to then knead the dough slightly and shape the bread into a ball. 

Using the stick of the wooden spoon press firmly on the dough and indent a cross shape. Sprinkle with flour before baking in the oven for 30/40 minutes.