Caraway Soda Bread

1. Stage

Preheat the oven to 450°F. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and caraway seeds.

2. Stage

Whisk together the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and caraway seeds.

3. Stage

Add the butter: Using your fingers (or a fork) work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles a coarse meal.

4. Stage

Add the buttermilk: Make a well in the center of the flour. Pour the buttermilk into the center and using either your hands or a wooden spoon, fold the flour over the buttermilk and gently mix until just combined. The dough should be neither too wet or too dry, so if it is a little too dry to work with, add a little more buttermilk. If too wet, add a little more flour. Roughly shape into a ball and place on a floured surface. Knead just a few times to shape it into a round loaf. Do not over-knead or the bread will be tough.

5. Stage

Score the dough: Place dough loaf onto a lightly greased baking sheet (or cast iron pan). Make 1 1/2-inch deep cuts, forming a cross, from side to side on the loaf. The scoring helps the heat get to the center of the loaf while cooking.

6. Stage

Bake: Place in oven, cook for 15 minutes at 450°F, then lower the heat to 400°F and cook for 25 more minutes. One way to test for doneness is to take it out of the oven, turn it over and knock on the bottom. If it sounds hollow, it's done. You can also use a skewer inserted into the center.

7. Stage

Cool: Let bread sit on the baking sheet for 5 to 10 minutes to cool. Then remove it to a rack to cool a little bit longer. I think the bread is best when it is still warm and just baked. Quick breads like this, which rely on baking soda for leavening, are generally best eaten soon after they're baked.