Wholemeal & Oat Soda Bread for a Tea Party

My first (and I feared, last) attempt ended in the bin – very seldom have I faced culinary defeat so complete that no one could/would eat it. But when I spied Del’s delicious bake on CurlsnSkirls, my soda bread fire reignited.

A recipe came my way almost a month later, calling for wholemeal flour & rolled oats. I decided this was the time. And so glad I am that I tried it – everyone pronounced it a great success!

Bringing this recipe, adapted from theGuardian.com to The Virtual Tea Party hosted by Su at zimmerbitch.

• 450g wholemeal flour (used Bobs Red Mill Stoneground Wholewheat flour)
• 50g rolled oats (used Bobs Red Mill Rolled 5-Grain Cereal)
• 8g salt
• 1 level tsp baking soda
• 2 Tbsp honey
• 450 ml buttermilk (I add 1 Tbsp lemon to whole milk)
• 1 Tbsp melted butter + 1/2 Tbsp honey (for brushing over baked loaf)

1. Preheat oven to 200 deg C
2. Line or grease a baking sheet.
3. Combine all dry ingredients into a mixing bowl and mix well.
4. Make a well in the middle and add honey, buttermilk.
5. Stir until you have soft, sticky dough. Do not overmix.
6. Form a mound onto the baking sheet. Cut a deep cross on top of the dough with a knife.
7. Bake for 45-50min, until the crust is golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
8. Brush with melted butter & honey while still hot.
9. Leave to cool slightly before eating.

May I offer you this song as you enjoy your tea? Older Daughter & I contributed our voices to this virtual choir. Keep well & thank you again for this table to gather around!