Traditional Crusty Irish Soda Bread

I know St. Patrick's Day was earlier this week, but I want to share with you one of my favorite quick and easiest bread to make, and it just happens to be Irish and delicious.   This traditional Crusty Irish Soda Bread recipe I received from a friend several years ago is my go-to bread when I don't have time, which is becoming more the new normal.  It seriously takes 60 minutes to make and bake.  It's quick, foolproof, eggless, and in the end makes the perfect crusty and dense bread perfect for slathering butter and jam, dipping into oil, making sandwiches, toast, and anything your heart desires!

Ingredients
2 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cup rolled oats
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 TBS sugar
2 1/2 cup buttermilk

-Heat oven to 400 degrees.  Combine everything but buttermilk in large bowl, stirring with your hands.  Make a well and pour in 1 1/2 cup of the milk.
-Continue mixing with your hands, adding the remaining milk along the way.  Dough will be wet and very sticky.
-Dust your hands with four, shape dough in a ball, and place on a floured cookie sheet.  With a knife, score a deep X on the top of the ball.
-Bake bread until golden brown, about 50 minutes.  Transfer to a wire rack and let it cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.  Makes a crusty, dense loaf about seven inches in diameter.