Rosemary And Cheddar Soda Bread

My Auntie Gladys makes the best soda bread!  I was watching a show on Ireland and it featured a savory soda bread.  I was intrigued, so I had to make my version, using the roots of my Aunt's recipe.  The hubby said that I could make soda bread every week after tasting it.  I think we have a winner!

3 c Flour - Sifted
1 tsp Cream of Tartar
1 tsp Baking Soda
1 tsp Kosher Salt
1/2 tsp Onion Powder
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
1 Tbsp Fresh Chopped Rosemary
1 c Diced Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese
1 1/4 c Buttermilk - Give or Take
Sea Salt to Top (Optional) 

​Pre-heat oven to 450 degrees.  Grease a 8 inch round cake pan.  Set aside.

In a bowl, sift the flour, salt, baking soda, cream of tartar, onion powder and garlic powder together.  Stir in the Rosemary and cheddar cheese, coating the cheese with flour.  With a wooden spoon lightly stir the flour mixture to combine with the buttermilk.  Add just enough buttermilk to give the dough a soft, but sticky, feel.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter and shape into a round loaf to fit in the cake pan.  Place dough in the pan.  Score the top to create an X (to let the fairies out).  Sprinkle the top with sea salt, if desired.

Bake the Soda Bread for 20 - 30 minutes or until golden brown.  Don't worry... some of the cheese will ooze out.  Let the bread cool slightly and remove from pan.  Bread can be served slightly warm or not.  Slice the bread and top it with Kerrygold butter and some Branston pickle - if you would like (give it a try, it is so good!)

Serves 4 - 6 people.