IRISH SODA BREAD

Ingredients :

4 Cups Flour
4 Tbsp Sugar
1 tsp. Baking Soda
1 Tbsp. Baking Powder
½ tsp. Salt
½ Cup Softened Margarine
1 Cup Buttermilk
1 Egg

Loaf Brushing Mixture :

1/4 Cup Butter
1/4 Cup Buttermilk

Directions :

Mix flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, margarine all together in a large bowl. Next stir in 1 cup of buttermilk and egg. Place the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead slightly.  Form the dough into a round and place on a lightly greased large baking sheet.  In a small bowl mix together the 1/4 cup butter and the 1/4 cup buttermilk. Use this mixture to brush the loaf. You can brush loaf with this mixture while baking if you like. Cut an X into the top of the bread before it goes into the oven.  Bake in 375 degrees pre-heated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.

Buttermilk Substitute Tip

* If you do not have buttermilk available, you can make a substitute using this method:

* Milk (just under one cup)
* 1 Tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice

1. Place a Tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice in a liquid measuring cup.

2. Add enough milk to bring the liquid up to the one-cup line.

3. Let stand for five minutes. Then, use as much needed for any recipe.