Irish Soda Bread
(Makes one loaf.)

This is so, so easy.  Very little kneading, no waiting to rise, yahoo!  The combo of buttermilk and baking soda makes it rise.  Serve hot with lots of butter.
Ingredients
1 tsp baking soda
4 & 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 large egg
1 teaspoon salt
​3 Tablespoons sugar
1 & 1/2 cups buttermilk  (Don't have it?  Substitute:  1 and 1/2 cups milk plus 3 tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar.)
5 Tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut in cubes
Picture
Steps
  1. Heat oven to 400° F.
  2. Sift together soda, flour, sugar, and salt into a bowl.   Using a fork or clean hands, cut in the cold butter.  It will be very thick.  Mix together until it's crumbly.
  3. In a separate bowl, stir the buttermilk and egg.
  4. Pour the buttermilk mixture into the middle of the flour mixture and kind of fold together with a spatula.  It's too thick to really stir.  If it’s too wet or sticky, add a little more flour.  If it’s too dry, add a little more buttermilk.
  5. Put the dough on a floured counter or cutting board.  Knead lightly for a little bit.  Form the dough into a round ball. 
  6. Grease a cookie sheet or cast iron skillet with lots of butter.  I like to use the cast iron skillet. Put the dough on the pan and cut an “X” across the center and along to the dough’s sides. (about a 1/2" deep slash)
  7. Bake in preheated 400° F oven for about 45 - 55 minutes.  If it's getting too brown on top, use aluminum foil to make a LOOSE tent over top.  When the bread is lightly browned and it sounds hollow, it’s ready. 
  8. Let cool awhile on the cooking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling. Serve with butter!!