Instructions: Preheat the oven to gas mark 5/375F/190C.

Place the dry ingredients in a large roomy bowl mix to combine then beat the egg and buttermilk together and add them to the dry ingredients.

Start mixing first with a fork then finish off with your hands to form a smooth dough. All you do now is transfer the dough to the loaf tin and level the top.

Alternatively shape into a round about 150mm cross and make a deep cut across it three times but dont cut all the way through. Sprinkle with flour and bake in the centre of the oven for 50 to 60 minutes then turn it straight out on to a wire rack to cool.

This is best eaten fresh but fear not because the next day or the day after it makes wonderful toast.

This is the real thing proper Irish bread. As it bakes in the oven and the aroma reaches you close your eyes picture the beauty of the Irish landscape and dream you re there. Its beaven just spread generouusly with butter and good jam or now that we can buy good Irish cheeses a chunk of Cashel Blue or Milleens with this bread as well as a glass of Murphys will give you a little taste of that wonderful country even though youre not there.

Makes 1 loaf to serve 4

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