Mincemeat Soda Bread

[nverland]

Mincemeat Soda Bread

Ingredients:

450g plain white flour
50g caster sugar
1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon salt
300ml buttermilk
6 to 8 tablespoons mincemeat

Optional
30g butter

Directions:

Step 1: Pre-heat oven to 220C/425F/Gas mark 7 and grease and/or line a baking tray.
Step 2: Sift all the dry ingredients into a mixing bowl and rub in the butter, if using, until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Add the buttermilk and mix with your hands to form a dough – do not over mix as it will make the soda bread tough. Add the mincemeat and work it into the dough gently.
Step 4: Turn the dough out onto a floured board and shape into a round- about 4cm/1 1/2″ thick. Place the soda bread onto the prepared baking tray and cut a deep cross in the top.
Step 5: Sprinkle with extra flour and caster sugar, then bake in pre-heated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until well risen and golden brown.
Step 6: Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack or wrap in a clean tea towel for a soft crust.
Step 7: Cut into wedges and serve warm with butter.