Step 1

Preheat oven to 200c/400f/GM6/Aga-baking oven.

Step 2

Sieve the flour, bicarbonate of soda and salt into a mixing bowl, add the bacon and cheese.

Step 3

Mix to a soft dough with the buttermilk, if too dry add a touch of water very gradually. The dough should be soft, not too wet and not too sticky.

Step 4

Turn onto a lightly floured surface and gently shape the dough into an oblong.

Step 5

Place the dough on a lightly floured baking sheet, sprinkle some flour over the top and then make some slashes across the dough.

Step 6

Bake in the oven for 35-40mins. Aga – baking oven for 30mins, then roasting oven for 5-10mins or until just lightly browned.

Step 7

Take out of the oven, turn upside down and tap the bottom of the bread. It will sound hollow when properly cooked through.

Step 8

Cool on a wire rack or wrap in a tea-towel until cool.

Step 9

This bread is best eaten on the day however it is still good a day or two after. Slice and toast to have with breakfast or brunch. Great with a poached, fried or scrambled eggs The trick with this bread is not to over-mix the dough. Bring together as quickly and as gently as possible, keeping it light and airy.