Wednesday, March 17, 2004

Brown soda bread

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour

1 cup wheat bran

1 teaspoon salt

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1 to 1 1/2 cups buttermilk

1. Set the oven at 375 degrees. Dust a baking sheet with all-purpose flour.

2. In a large bowl combine the all-purpose and whole-wheat flours, wheat bran, salt, and baking soda. Form a well in the center. Add 1 cup of the buttermilk. With a wooden spoon, mix quickly yet gently until the dough just comes together. Add additional buttermilk till firm but sticky.

3. Turn the dough out onto a floured counter. Quickly shape it into a slightly domed round (a rough texture will produce a more attractive bread). Place it on the floured baking sheet. Cut an "x" into the top of the loaf, extending to each end, but not through to the bottom of the loaf. With a fork, poke holes all over the bread.

4. Bake the bread for 40 minutes, or until it sounds hollow when rapped on the bottom with your knuckles. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.