CLODAGH MCKENNA - IRISH SODA BREAD

Makes 1 loaf

INGREDIENTS: 550g wholemeal flour 350g white flour 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda 1 teaspoon of salt 400ml milk 200ml natural yogurt

For brushing 50ml milk (for brushing) 1 egg

METHOD: 1. Pre-heat your oven to 220°C, 425°F, Gas Mark 7. 2. Sieve the flours into a large mixing bowl, followed by the bread soda and salt. Using clean hands mix the flours and bread soda together. Make a well in the centre of the bowl. 3. Whisk together the yogurt and milk and slowly pour into the well of dried ingredients. Using your free hand to mix the flour into the buttermilk, try and spread your fingers far apart so it resembles a trough. Make sure that there are no dry patches and that the dough is completely wet. 4. Pat your hands with flour and shape the dough into one round. Place on a floured baking tray. Flour a large knife and cut the shape of a cross into the top of the dough about two-thirds of the way through, and then pinch every quarter with the knife. This old Irish tradition was used to kill the fairies! 5. Lightly beat the egg and milk together and then brush the round of bread using a pastry brush, this will give a lovely golden colour to the bread once baked 6. Bake in a pre-heated oven at 220°C, 425°F, Gas Mark 7 for about 25 minutes, then turn the bread over for a further 5 minutes. To test whether the loaf is cooked, tap the back with your knuckles; it should sound hollow. Leave to cool on a cooling rack.