Monday, April 27, 2015

From the Inimitable Julia Child

I ran across this recipe on YouTube and made it several times.  So good!

For this recipe you will need:
  • 4 cups All-Purpose flour plus extra for dusting the board
  • 2 cups Buttermilk
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • Butter
  • A large mixing bowl
  • A paddle or spoon
  • A sharp serrated knife
  • A board or clean counter for kneading
  • An 8 or 9 inch cake pan
  • An oven preheated to 375 F ~ 190 C (Gas Mark 5) with a rack in the center
Instructions:
  • Preheat your oven at least 45 minutes to 1 hour before mixing ingredients
  • Butter the bottom of the cake pan and set aside
  • Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl creating a well in the center
  • Pour in the buttermilk and mix well until ingredients come together
  • The dough will be a little sticky
  • Turn the dough out onto the board or counter and knead gently until you form a ball
  • Dust board and dough as necessary to prevent sticking
  • Form the dough into a round loaf and place into the buttered cake pan
  • Use the knife to cut a cross or 'X' in the top of the loaf around 1/4 inch (7 mm) deep
  • Optional: You can paint the top with some extra buttermilk for a little more color
  • Bake for 50-60 minutes or until golden brown
  • Remove to a cooling rack until cool enough to handle - don't cut this right out of the oven
  • Slice and serve warm with soft butter

Tips:
  • Have the oven hot before you mix anything - Important!
  • Work quickly, but neatly - the acid in the buttermilk will react instantly with the baking soda creating bubbles that cause the bread to rise.  If you wait too long, the bread will not rise
  • You can add some sugar to add a touch of sweetness

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