I have always loved soda bread, now I cannot find a single loaf in Hastings. I have tried at least half a dozen bakeries as well as several supermarkets, only to be told they no longer sell it. If indeed they ever did!

I HAVE DECIDED TO BAKE MY OWN AS A RESULT!

Recipe

• 250g plain white flour
• 250g plain wholemeal flour
• 100g porridge oats
• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 25g butter, cut in pieces
• 500ml buttermilk

     method

1. Preheat the oven to 200C/gas 6/fan 180C and dust a baking sheet with flour. Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl, then rub in the butter. Pour in the buttermilk and mix it in quickly with a table knife, then bring the dough together very lightly with your fingertips (handle it very, very gently). Now shape it into a flat, round loaf measuring 20cm/8in in diameter.
2. Put the loaf on the baking sheet and score a deep cross in the top. (Traditionally, this lets the fairies out, but it also helps the bread to cook through.) Bake for 30-35 minutes until the bottom of the loaf sounds hollow when tapped. If it isn’t ready after this time, turn it upside down on the baking sheet and bake for a few minutes more.
3. Transfer to a wire rack, cover with a clean tea towel (this keeps the crust nice and soft) and leave to cool. To serve, break into quarters, then break or cut each quarter in half to make 8 wedges or slices – or simply slice across. Eat very fresh.

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