Irish Bread

My Mom sent me a recipe for St Patrick's Day called "Irish Soda Bread" so I thought I'd try it out. Kenna helped me make it and I couldn't believe how easy it was! (I'm not a bread maker so I was a bit worried about how it would turn out!) But I just mixed it up in about 10 minutes in my KitchenAid and then it baked in the oven for about 45 minutes - and wah-lah! Irish Bread for St Patrick's Day! (The recipe is below the pictures.) Super easy and fun to make! This is a perfect recipe for kids to help out with!





INGREDIENTS
4 cups all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons white sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup margarine, softened
1 cup buttermilk
1 egg
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup buttermilk

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet.
In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt and margarine. Stir in 1 cup of buttermilk and egg. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead slightly. Form dough into a round and place on prepared baking sheet.

In a small bowl, combine melted butter with 1/4 cup buttermilk; brush loaf with this mixture. Use a sharp knife to cut an 'X' into the top of the loaf.

Bake in preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean, about 30 to 50 minutes. You may continue to brush the loaf with the butter mixture while it bakes.