Irish Soda Bread

This is a extremely simple bread recipe and it comes out very tasty, particularly if paired with some Irish Kerrygold butter.  No yeast or bread maker needed!

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.  Lightly grease a large baking sheet or loaf pan (depending on whether you want a round loaf or a square one!).

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 onto a lightly floured surface and knead slightly.  Form dough into a round and place on prepared baking sheet, or in a loaf pan for a square loaf.

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.  You can continue to brush the loaf with the butter mixture while it bakes.