A Spotted Dog - An Almost Real Irish Soda Bread/ Cake
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Ingredients
- 50 gm unsalted butter , soft and at room temperature
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsps sugar granulated
- 1/2 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk *
- 1 egg small , lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup blueberries dried (or raisins)
Instructions
- In a large bowl mix together, with your fingers, the softened butter, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and dried blueberries till blended. Donu2019t overdo this.
- Add the buttermilk and egg and working quickly, mix together with a fork till it all comes together as a shaggy looking dough. Turn it out onto a lightly floured working surface and very lightly knead the dough a couple of times so that the dough comes together as a rough looking ball. Do not overwork the dough or your bread will be tough.
- Place the ball on a lightly greased and floured baking sheet and flatten very slightly. Using a sharp knife, cut and u201cXu201d on the top about half way through. This helps the bread rise well and cook through during baking.
- Immediately, place the dough in an oven preheated to 200C (400F) and bake for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes turn the oven temperature down to 180C (350F) and bake for another 30 minutes till golden brown on top.
- When done and the bread is tapped, you should hear a hollow sound. Let the bread cool on the sheet for about 10 minutes and then cool on a rack. You will be tempted, but better to wait as the bread cuts easier when cool.
Notes
- If you do not have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tbsp of white vinegar (or lemon juice) to 1 cup of milk, stirring well and keeping it for 10 minutes. Then use.