20101117 Irish Soda Bread

(SOURCE: allrecipes.co.uk - Amazingly Easy Irish Soda Bread)

I have no idea if it was a success as I never had soda bread before. I ate some when it was still warm with some butter, and it tasted good. But again, all baked goods taste good when they are still warm, right? I read somewhere that the addition of raisins will make this a Spotted Dick - one couldn't help but giggle at such a name, right? Funny that this English food was mentioned in the Shanghai Knight movie I watched last night too!

INGREDIENTS
500g plain flour
4 tbsp caster sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
120g butter, softened
225ml buttermilk
1 egg
FOR GLAZE
50g butter, melted
4 tbsp butter milk

METHOD
1. Heat oven to 190 degree C. Lightly grease a large baking tray. Combine melted butter with 4 tbsp of buttermilk in a small bowl, and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, bicarbonate of soda, baking powder, salt and butter. Stir in 250ml buttermilk and egg. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead slightly. Form dough into a round and place on prepared tray.
3. Brush loaf with the glaze mixture. Use a sharp knife to cut an X into the top of the loaf.
4. Bake in the oven for 30 to 50 minutes, until a skewer inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.