Irish Soda Bread

I decided to try making some Irish Soda Bread for a St. Patrick's Day Luncheon coming up.  We really like the bread but next time I am going to try baking it in muffin pans for an individual serving.  

Irish Soda Bread

4 c. flour

1/4 c. sugar

1 t. baking soda

1 t. salt

6 T. butter

1 3/4 c. buttermilk (or milk with 1 T. lemon juice, let sit 10 minutes)

1 egg

Sift together the dry ingredients.  

Cut 6 T. cold butter into small pieces and add to the flour mixture.  Using your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until it looks like pea sized crumbs.  

Mix together 1 3/4 c. buttermilk and 1 egg.  Add to the crumb mixture and stir just until combined.  It will be a shaggy ball.  Place in a dutch oven lined with parchment paper.  Cut a deep X into the top,  brush with egg wash, if desired and bake at 400 for 35 to 40 minutes.  Bake in the upper half of the oven so the bottom doesn't overbake.  

Variations:  stir in 1 c. raisins or dried cherries 

or Omit the sugar and stir in 1 c. shredded cheese, 2 T. snipped chives, 1 t. granulated garlic

For a shiny crust:  brush the top with an egg/milk wash before baking.  

This recipe makes a very moist and quick bread.  

I plan to serve it with Irish Potato Soup.