Basics: Irish Soda Bread

This is a very easy bread to make -- great for beginners and a nice crowd pleaser when you don't want to serve the store-bought stuff.

3 cups all-purpose flour (whole wheat flour can be substituted)
2 tablespoons granulated white sugar
2 tablespoons rolled oats (not instant)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups buttermilk

Preheat oven to 375°ree;F and place the rack in the center of the oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flours, sugar, oats, baking soda, and salt. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add most of the buttermilk. Using yours hands, or a wooden spoon, mix (adding more buttermilk if necessary) until you have a soft moist dough.

Transfer to a lightly floured surface and gently knead the dough into a 7" round that is about 1" thick. Place the round on your prepared baking sheet and then, with a sharp knife, cut a 1/4" deep "X" across the top of the bread.

Bake for about 40 - 50 minutes or until nicely browned and a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. (Test by tapping the bottom of the bread - it should sound hollow.) Remove from oven.

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