Learning to make bread - month two: soda bread

My New Year's Resolution was to learn to make bread, and in particular to attempt to make a different type of bread each month.  For January I made a basic bloomer; for February it was soda bread.

I have to admit that I do not recall having heard of soda bread before, but Paul Hollywood promised me that it's a great starting point for those of us who are new to bread making.  It doesn't contain yeast, so unlike the bloomer doesn't require kneading or rising time.  It's basically four simple steps: mix, shape, rest, bake.  The theory (or so the book tells me!) is that the bicarbonate of soda (alkali) and the buttermilk (acid) react together to create the carbon dioxide that makes the bread rise. Whatever the theory, it tasted good, which is the main criteria for me.  Paul Hollywood's Bread book has a range of recipes for soda breads and bakes - including crumpets, which I may have to come back to later in the year.  For now, I am very pleased with my attempt at soda bread; it's quick, easy and tasty, so I'm sure this will be one I make again.



The loaf is cut to allow the heat to get into the centre



Fresh from the oven and ready to eat