Irish Soda Bread

3 cups all-purpose flour sifted

1 1/2 tsp. baking soda

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1 1/2 cups buttermilk

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Add the dry ingredients in a large bowl and stir to combine the baking soda and salt.
3. Make a well in the center and add 1 cup of the buttermilk — setting aside the remaining ½ cup. Stir in the dry ingredients and buttermilk with a wooden spoon until the milk is absorbed and then gradually add in the remaining milk until a soft dough is formed.
4. The dough will quite sticky, you may have to add ¼ cup more flour until it is workable.
5. Sprinkle a little flour on your hands and counter and form the dough into a ball.
6. Place it into an 8″ inch cake pan that has been sprayed with pam.
7. Wet a large knife and slice it almost half-way through the dough to make a large cross.
8. Bake for 40 minutes or until it is lightly golden on the top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom