Easy Bread of the Gods

Whenever something tastes amazing I have a tendency to call it "___ of the Gods". Little habit. But this bread really is amazing.



First time I've baked bread, so I decided to cheat a little and go the no-yeast route. So I made Irish soda bread. Which is ridiculously easy to make, so quick, and turns out so good! Plus, it'll go perfect with the pasta my sister is making tonight. I will definitely be making this as often as I can.

Irish Soda Bread
adapted from the Big Book of Baking; makes one loaf

vegetable oil, for brushing
4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 3/4 cups buttermilk

Preheat the oven to 425°F/220°C. Brush a cookie sheet with oil

Sift the flour, salt, and baking soda together into a bowl. Make a well in the centre and pour in most of the buttermilk. Mix well, first with a wooden spoon and then with your hands. The dough should be very soft, but not too wet. If necessary, add the remaining buttermilk.

Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured counter and knead lightly and briefly. Shape into an 8-inch/20-cm round. Put the loaf onto the prepared cookie sheet and cut a cross in the top with a sharp knife.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom with your knuckles. Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly and serve warm.