This simple, wholesome loaf is very quick and easy to make – and a delicious way to celebrate St Patricks day
IRISH BROWN BREAD
2 1/3 cups whole-wheat flour, divided use
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/3 cup oat bran
2 teaspoons dark brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 3/4 cups buttermilk, divided use
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Heat oven to 400F.
In a bowl, stir together 2 1/4 cups of the whole-wheat flour, the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, oat bran, brown sugar, salt, baking powder and baking soda. With a fork, stir in 1 1/2 cups of the buttermilk and the melted butter. Add more buttermilk if needed, a little at a time, just until a soft dough forms.
Knead dough in the bowl until smooth, about 2 minutes. If dough is too wet, knead in up to 4 teaspoons whole-wheat flour, 1 teaspoon at a time.
Divide dough into 2 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and place on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Flatten slightly. Using a sharp knife, make 2 crisscross slashes on top of each loaf.
Bake loaves for 30 to 35 minutes or until a cake tester inserted in center comes out clean and bottoms of loaves sound hollow when tapped.
Remove bread from baking sheet and place on a rack to cool.
Enjoy!