Whole Wheat Irish Soda Bread

Source:  Farmer's Almanac

Yield: 1 large loaf

This delicious, wholesome loaf is quick to make and usually quick to disappear!

Try it slathered with butter and preserves -- perfect with a nice cup of tea.

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1-3/4 cups buttermilk

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Combine all the dry ingredients and mix well with a fork, making sure to break up any little lumps of brown sugar. Make a well in the dry mixture and pour the buttermilk into it. Using a wooden spoon, stir just until a soft dough is formed. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter and knead for 1 to 3 minutes until it is smooth. (You can add a little flour if the dough is too sticky, but too much will make a tough loaf.)

Shape the dough into a round loaf, flattened slightly, and place it on an ungreased baking sheet. Using a small sharp knife, cut a large X on the top of the loaf. Bake on the middle rack of the oven for about 40 minutes or until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when rapped on the bottom. Cool completely before cutting. Slice very thin for serving.