Ingredients
500g flour (a mix of 350g plain and 150g wholemeal is nice)
1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda
1 teaspoon of seasalt
50g butter, softened
1 tablespoon treacle
Approx 325ml warm mil ( to which a good squeeze of lemon juice has been added after its warm - this will curdle the milk - don't worry, it's supposed to!)
Method
Preheat the oven to 200C or 180C (fan ovens).
Put the flour, bicarbonate of soda and salt into a bowl and mix well. Rub in the butter lightly with your fingertips. Add the treacle to the warmed milk and whisk together.
Make a well in the centre and start to add the milk, using a butter knife to bring the mixture together. Add more milk when necessary until the dough is soft but not sticky and has come together.
Knead the dough lightly on a floured surface and shap into a round.
Using a wooden sppon handle, push down on the surface of the bread in one direction and then the other to form a cross.
Transfer the load to a greased baking tray and bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and well risen. The underside will be deep golden and sound hollow when tapped - then it's cooked!
Butter liberally and enjoy! It's best eaten within a couple of days.
