Irish Soda Bread

By Christina Malloy

4 cups of all purpose (or 3 cups whole wheat and 1 cup all purpose) flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
14 oz of buttermilk

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.  Lightly grease and flour a cake pan.
2. In a large bowl sieve and combine all the dry ingredients.
3. Add the buttermilk to form a sticky dough.  Place on floured surface and lightly knead (too much allows the gas to escape)
4. Shape into a round flat shape in a round cake pan and cut a cross in the top of the dough.
5. Cover the pan with another pan and bake for 30 minutes (this simulates the bastible pot).  Remove cover and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
6. The bottom of the bread will have a hollow sound when tapped to show it is done.
7. Cover the bread in a tea towel and lightly sprinkle water on the cloth to keep the bread moist.