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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