Irish Soda Bread

Prior to this week, I can honestly say that I'd never heard of Irish Soda Bread and when I did hear about it - I didn't really want to make it!

But alas, I did and was pleasantly surprised at how good it was. I used the following recipe but keep in mind that while it says ONE loaf pan, I would most definitely split into TWO loaf pans or you'll be cleaning the remnants up off the bottom of your oven.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

Preparations:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, sugar, salt and baking soda. Blend egg and buttermilk together, and add all at once to the flour mixture.
3. Mix just until moistened. Stir in butter. Pour into prepared pan.
4. Bake for 65 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the bread comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Wrap in foil for several hours, or overnight, for best flavor.