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Try this hearty Irish-style soda bread alongside a strong brew of Irish Breakfast tea. Remember to add a healthy dose of cream to your tea as you enjoy it with your warm bread.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups whole-wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 2 cups buttermilk (see Note)
- 3/4 cup raisins or currants (optional)
Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Combine flours, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a food processor and pulse with on/off motions to mix.
- Add butter and process for 15 seconds, or until a wet but manageable dough forms. Or simply stir dry ingredients and cut cold butter in well. Add raisins or currants if desired.
- Turn dough out onto a well-floured board and shape lightly into an 8-inch round. Cut a deep cross in the center of the loaf.
- Bake on a buttered cookie sheet in the center of the oven for 1 hour, or until the loaf sounds hollow when thumped lightly on the bottom. Turn out onto a wire rack and let cool.
- Serve warm in thick slices or cold and thinly sliced.
–Makes 10 to 12 thick slices–
Note: If buttermilk is not available, in a bowl combine 2 tablespoons vinegar with 2 cups milk.
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