Irish Soda Bread

Notes

• Original recipe can be found here (login probably needed).

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cake flour
• 1½ tsp baking soda
• 1½ tsp cream of tartar
• 1½ tsp salt
• 2 TBL sugar
• 2 TBL unsalted butter, softened
• 1½ cups low-fat buttermilk
• 1 TBL unsalted butter, melted (for brushing over the top)

Directions

1. Heat the oven to 400 degrees and adjust a rack to the center position.
2. Place the flours, soda, cream of tartar, salt and sugar in a large mixing bowl.
3. Add the butter and rub it into the flour using your fingers until it is completely incorporated and the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Make a well in the center and add the buttermilk. Work the liquid into the flour mixture using a fork until the dough comes together in large clumps.
5. Turn the dough onto a work surface and knead briefly until the loose flour is just moistened. The dough will still be scrappy and uneven.
6. Form the dough into a round about 6 to 7 inches in diameter and place in a cast iron skillet.
7. Score a deep cross on top of the loaf and place in the heated oven.
8. Bake until nicely browned and a tested comes out clean when inserted into the center of the loaf, about 40 to 45 minutes.
9. Remove from oven and brush with a tablespoon of melted butter if desired.
10. Cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature.