Irish Garlic Soda Bread

We love this bread as a nod to our Irish roots – it's a great compliment to stews and soups!

TIME: 15 minutes prep, 60 minutes total YIELD: 1 loaf, 12 servings ​RECOMMENDED VARIETY: Music

INGREDIENTS

• 4 cups plus 2 tablespoons flour

• 1¼ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• ⅔ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or minced

• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary chopped or ½ teaspoon dried

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried

• 4 tablespoons butter, cold

• 1 large egg, whisked

• 1¾ cup buttermilk

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda and sugar.

3. Add cheese and herbs, toss to coat.

4. Break butter up into the flour using your hands to pinch and mix the flour in until it has a grainy texture.

5. Make a well in the center of the dry mixture, add egg and buttermilk.

6. Use a wooden spoon to stir mixture together, then switch to your hands to knead the dough gently just until it forms a ball.

7. Butter a skillet, dutch oven or cookie sheet and place the dough on top.

8. Use a knife to cut a cross in the dough, only about ½" deep and then bake for 35—40 minutes, or until the top is brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.

9. Remove from the oven and serve hot and fresh.