St. Patrick's Day Irish Soda Bread

I may have posted this recipe once upon a time but thought I'd refresh the idea in everyone's mind as St. Patrick's Day is approaching and it is a great, easy bread to enjoy for breakfast on that morning or any other morning. Our favorite way is with cranberry jam.

Irish Soda Bread

4 cups all purpose flour
5 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup buttermilk
1 egg

Topping
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup buttermilk

Preheat over to 375 degrees. Use vegetable oil spray to grease a large baking sheet.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and butter. STir in the 1 cup of buttermilk and the egg. Turn the dough out on a lightly-floured surface and knead just to smooth out a bit. Fort dough into a round loaf and place on prepared baking sheet.

In a smaller bowl, combine the melted butter and 1/4 cup buttermilk. use this to brush the loaf. With a shart knife, cut an 'X' in the top of the loaf.

Bake in the oven for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean. You can add to the crust by brushing the loaf with more of the topping as it bakes.

I always double the recipe because it goes that fast around here. Some people like to add a tablespoon of caraway seeds for a more savory taste.