Irish Soda Bread

Next series of recipes- ideas for your St Patrick's Day Party. First step for a good party - green beer (no recipe needed there! ha). Next step - great food. Here are a few recipes you can use. This bread could be died green for an added effect. Or - toss in some raisins, if you'd like. This an easy recipe, slightly adapted from one found on allrecipes. Enjoy!

Irish Soda Bread

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In a separate (pourable) bowl, blend together egg and buttermilk. Pour into flour mixture and mix until just combined. Finally, stir in melted butter.

2. Pour mixture into a well-greased loaf pan. Set pan on counter and let rest for 20 minutes.

3. While mixture is resting, preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

4. Bake in preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in centre comes out clean. Let cool, then wrap in foil for several hours or overnight, for best flavour. ENJOY!