Soda Bread

Directions

1. 1
   Combine the milk and lemon juice in a jug, stir once then set aside for five minutes to curdle.
2. 2
   Preheat the oven to 200 C.
3. 3
   Lightly dust a baking sheet with flour.
4. 4
   In a large bowl, put the flour, salt and baking soda.
5. 5
   Stir in the milk, then dust a clean surface with more flour and tip the dough out onto it.
6. 6
   Do not knead the dough, but form it into a round shape.
7. 7
   Pick the dough up and place it on the baking sheet.
8. 8
   Use a sharp serrated knife to cut a cross into the top of the bread.
9. 9
   Lightly dust the top of the bread with more flour.
10. 10
    Put the bread into the oven and immediately drop the temperature to 190 C.
11. 11
    Bake for 30-40 minutes, or basically until it has a hollow sound to it when you lift it and tap the bottom.
12. 12
    Remove to cool on a wire rack - if you like the crust crunchy, just leave it to cool as it is, but if you like a softer crust, wrap the bread in a clean tea towel.
13. 13
    Can be served warm or cooled completely.
14. 14
    The next day it is great toasted, with butter and jam (preserves)