SIMPLY SODA BREAD

 

Sometimes it's good to go back to basics. With all the fancy bakes I've done over the years I realised I hadn't made a simple loaf of bread before. So that is what I have done and it's equally satisfying to watch the loaf rise in the oven and come out beautifully golden and smelling delicious. This soda bread is simple, quick to prepare and when sliced and warmed under the grill, absolutely delicious smothered in jam and butter. You'll never want to buy a shop bought loaf again!

Soda Bread

Juice Of Half A Lemon

300ml Semi Skimmed Milk

400g self raising flour

2 Tsp Bicarbonate Of Soda

1. Oven straight on to 200 degrees (180 fan). Sorted!
2. Take the lemon juice and mix with the milk before setting to one side to rest for 10 minutes
   
   whilst it works it's magic.
3. Mix the flour and bi carb together and make a well in the centre. Gradually pour in the lemony milk, mixing as you go until a dough ball forms. It shouldn't be super wet so stop adding the milk if it comes together before using it all. equally it should be slightly sticky so poke your ball and if it feels dry keep adding the milk until all used.
4. Turn out the dough onto a floured surface and shape so that it fits into a greased loaf tin. Don't overwork the dough too much. Round and smooth the top of the dough as best youcan.
5. Place the dough in your greased tin and run a knife along the length of the dough to create a shallow score. 
6. Place the tin on the middle shelf of your oven for 35-40 minutes until risen and golden brown on top. The base of the bread should also sound hollow when tapped, pop in the oven for another 5 minutes if not.

Remove from the oven and leave to cool for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Your beautifully baked bread will be accompanied by that delicious freshly baked bread smell which should be wafting around your kitchen. Better than any air freshener or scented candle! You can really make the loaf a centre piece too if you scatter some pumpkin or poppy seeds over the dough before baking. This will really make the loaf look a treat and add some crunch to the already crisp crust.

Simples!