Auntie G's Irish Soda Bread

My Auntie Gladys, who lives in Northern Ireland, makes the best soda bread.  I can't get to Northern Ireland as often as I would like, but this recipe brings a little bit of the Emerald Isle to me.

3 c Flour - Sifted
1 tsp Cream of Tartar
1 tsp Baking Soda
1 tsp Kosher Salt
1 c Buttermilk - Give or Take
Sugar to Dust 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 and cream of tartar together.  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 sugar, if wanting a sweet bread.

Bake the Soda Bread for 20 - 30 minutes or until golden brown.  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 your favorite jam if you would like.

Serves 4 - 6 people.

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