Soda Bread

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 450F.
2. 2
   Measure and mix together in a large bowl: 3 3/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon baking soda.
3. 3
   Measure: 2 cups buttermilk.
4. 4
   Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour in 1 1/2 cups of the buttermilk.
5. 5
   Stir, adding more buttermilk if needed; the dough should be soft, but not wet or sticky.
6. 6
   Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead just enough to bring the dough together.
7. 7
   Turn it over and pat it into a round loaf about 1 1/2 inches high.
8. 8
   Place on a baking sheet and cut a cross into the top of the loaf with a knife.
9. 9
   Cut fairly deeply into the bread, being sure to cut all the way to the edges; this helps the bread to rise properly.
10. 10
    Bake for 15 minutes, lower the temperature to 400F, and bake for another 30 minutes, or until done.
11. 11
    To test, tap the bread on the bottom: it will sound hollow when done.
12. 12
    For brown soda bread, use 3 cups wholewheat flour and 3/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour.