Irish Soda Bread

Ingredients:

• 4 cups flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 4 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
• 1 ¼ cups buttermilk

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet with butter or oil.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 4 cups of flour, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
3. Add the cubed butter to the dry ingredients and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Gradually pour in 1 ¼ cups of buttermilk, stirring until the dough comes together. It should be slightly sticky but not too wet. If it seems too dry, add a bit more buttermilk.
5. Place the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round loaf. Place it onto the greased baking sheet.
6. Cut a deep "X" shape across the top of the loaf, about ¼ inch deep. This will allow the bread to expand and avoid splitting during baking.
7. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and makes a hollow sound when tapped on the bottom.
8. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
9. Enjoy your freshly baked Irish Soda Bread!