375 g/12 oz plain
whole meal flour, plus extra for dusting
50 g/2 oz
pinhead oatmeal
1 teaspoon
bicarbonate of soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
300 ml/1/2 pint
buttermilk or natural yogurt
Method:
In a bowl, mix together the flour, oatmeal,
bicarbonate of soda and salt. Make a well in the
centre and gradually work in the buttermilk or
yogurt to form a soft dough.
Turn out on to a
lightly floured surface and knead gently for 5
minutes until the dough is smooth.
Shape the dough
into a flattish round and place on a greased baking
sheet. Using a sharp knife, slash a cross on the top
of the bread and place in a preheated oven, 230°C
(450°F), Gas Mark 8, for 15 minutes.
Reduce the
temperature to 200°C (400°F), Gas Mark 6 and
continue to bake for a further 30 minutes until the
bread is risen and golden and sounds hollow when
tapped on the base.
Wrap the bread in a clean tea
towel and leave to cool completely on a wire rack.
Slice and serve with butter and jam or marmalade.