Bread Recipe for the Soul

Few things are more rewarding - or grounding - than baking a loaf of earthy, satisfying bread. The additional perks are of course fresh, homemade slices for toasting, sandwiches or simply eating warm from the oven smeared with good butter and jam. The recipe below is nearly foolproof and easy enough to assure a perfect product from even the most novice of bakers.

IRISH SODA BREAD with BRAN and OATS

1 cup all-purpose flour / 1 cup whole wheat flour / 1/2 cup wheat bran / 1/2 cup rolled oats / 1 1/2 t. baking soda / 5 T. cold butter / 1 1/4 cups buttermilk / 2 T. honey

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and lightly butter a baking sheet.



2. Mix together all dry ingredients in a large bowl, then with your fingers, crumble the butter into the dry mix until it is clumpy (the clumps should be rather small).



3. Add buttermilk and honey and stir until a dough forms.



4. Remove dough to a floured surface and kneed for no more than a minute until you have a smoooth ball.



5. Flatten into a disc roughly 8 inches in diameter.



6. Score the top with an "X" using a sharp knife.



7. Place on baking sheet and cook in oven for 35 minutes.



8. Remove and cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes or so.