Irish soda bread is something that I love, although I don't bake it all that often. It is easy to make and so good spread with some butter and jam or butter and honey. Here's my recipe:
6 cups white flour (or use 3 cups white flour and 3 cups whole wheat flour or 3 cups white flour and 3 cups oatmeal)
2 cups buttermilk
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Grease and preheat a 10 inch cast iron skillet, with lid if possible. (preheat by placing in the heated oven while mixing the dough) Mix together the flour, baking soda and salt. Quickly stir in the buttermilk to make a soft and sticky dough. With floured hands, form into a round cake a little smaller than the size of the skillet. Place in the preheated skillet, pat it smooth and then cut a cross in the top of the dough. Cover with the heated lid and place in the preheated oven. Bake about 40 minutes, until brown and crusty. When done, remove from the pan and wrap in a clean cloth towel. Allow to cool in the towel for about 2-3 hours. Slice with a sharp, serrated bread knife in fairly thick slices. Enjoy!
For a slightly fancier loaf, you can add a couple tbsps. of sugar to the dry ingredients or honey with the butter milk. You can also add chopped dried fruit or raisins to the dry ingredients as well. Some grated lemon or orange rind is tasty too.
