Simple Irish Soda Bread
Ingredients:
450g/1lb Odlums Cream (Plain) Flour
1 level teaspoon Bread Soda
Good pinch of Salt
1 tablespoon Sugar (optional)
25g/1oz Margarine
A little over 1/2 pint Fresh Milk
Method:
1.Sieve flour, bread soda and salt into a bowl. Add sugar if required.
2.Rub in the margarine to resemble breadcrumbs, lifting mixture with fingertips to introduce air to the dough.
3.Add milk and mix to make a soft dough.
4.Turn onto a lightly floured board and knead a little.
5.Turn the smooth side up and shape into a round. Place the dough on a floured tin.
6.Cut a cross over the top.
7.Bake in a pre-heated oven, 400°F/200°C/Gas 6 for 40-45 minutes.
8.When baked the underneath when “tapped” should have a hollow sound.
9.Cool on a wire tray. Cover with a tea towel to give a soft crust.