Monday, May 6, 2013

Simple Irish Brown Bread


This is the perfect wholesome, hearty side to any meal. A simple whole-wheat bread made with oats and buttermilk, it's quick to make and oh-so-good. We've even got a tip for you to make your own buttermilk equivalent from regular milk and lemon juice! What's not to love? ;)

Ingredients:

  • 4 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 1/2 cups oatmeal (not quick cooking)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 Tablespoons honey or sugar
  • 2 1/2 cups buttermilk

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees (F). Combine everything but buttermilk in a large bowl and stir the ingredients with your hands.  (If using honey, add to the buttermilk and mix just before adding to dry mixture.)
  2. Make a well in the dry mixture and pour in the buttermilk. Mix with your hands until the dough is just mixed. It will be wet and sticky.
  3. Shape the dough into a flat circle on your greased baking sheet (unless you are using a stone~no grease needed). 
  4. With a knife, score a deep X in the top of the circle, widening it with the blade as you cut. 
  5. Bake the bread until it is golden brown, about 50-60 minutes, depending on your oven.  *Quick tip~ make two circles and bake for about 35 minutes.*  Let cool a little before slicing.  But if you are like us, we just go for it as soon as comes out of the oven!! ;)  Makes a crusty, dense loaf or two.

Now, for the buttermilk cheat... ;)
I don't keep buttermilk on hand so I do this:
  ~ 1 cup buttermilk = 1 Tablespoon lemon juice (or vinegar!) and milk. To make 1 cup, let stand 5 minutes~
Easy-Peasy!


"Oh, when Irish eyes are smiling..." - yours will be too, once you take a bite of this fresh-baked, crusty bread spread with melting butter. Aye, 'tis a fair prospect noo, isn't it? ;)

Enjoy!

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9 comments:

  1. It looks delish! Thanks for the buttermilk making tip. Not something you always have on hand.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Wanda! Oh yep, it's nice to be able to substitute ingredients like buttermilk with more common ones like milk and lemon juice. :D

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  2. Replies
    1. IT IS! Try it! :D Let us know what you think! :)

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  3. Great buttermilk cheat! This looks like a great recipe.

    I hope you will link up your recipes with me at http://aroomfortwowithaview.com/recipes/simple-sunday-pot-roast/ for my TGIF Blog Hop!

    This is my first week, but it will happen every week here on out. I'd love to see you there!

    Have a great weekend!

    Melissa
    My recent post Simple Sunday Pot Roast for my TGIF Blog Hop!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for the invite, Melissa! We love blog hops. ;)

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  4. Hi Julia,
    I just love your Brown Bread. Thank you so much for sharing this awesome recipe with Full Plate Thursday. Hope you have a very special Mothers Day Weekend and come back soon!
    Miz Helen

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  5. That sure looks GOOD!

    Thanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality!

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  6. This looks SO delicious! Thanks for the tip on the buttermilk. I will make a note of it. Thanks, also, for linking up with "Try a New Recipe Tuesday!" I enjoy seeing what you share each week! :-)

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