Irish Soda Bread

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons baking soda 
• 0.3 cup butter softened
• 1.7 cups buttermilk 
• 1 cup flour all-purpose sifted
• 1.5 teaspoons salt 
• 3 cups flour whole wheat

Equipment

• baking sheet
• oven
• knife
• mixing bowl
• wire rack
• blender

Directions

1. Sift together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
2. Cut in butter with a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse meal. Stir in whole wheat flour, mixing well.
3. Add buttermilk, stirring until the dry ingredients are thoroughly moistened.
4. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead about 5 minutes. Shape dough into a round loaf; place on a greased baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, cut a cross 1/4-inch deep on top of loaf; lightly sprinkle cross with flour.
5. Bake at 400 for 40 minutes or until bread sounds hollow when tapped.
6. Remove from baking sheet, and cool completely on wire rack.