Step 1

Butter a 10-inch cast iron skillet and preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Step 2

Combine dry ingredients and then add the buttermilk all at once. Stir until just combined. This will be a soft and sticky dough. Flour your hands and shape into a dome-shaped loaf and place in a skillet.

Step 3

Before slipping the bread into a preheated oven, be sure to cut a cross shape, about 1/2-inch deep, with a sharp knife on the top of the loaf. St. Patrick himself was known to make this bread and while there is differing symbolism attached to the sign of that cross, I choose to believe it symbolic of St. Patrick’s faith.

Step 4

Bake for about 40-45 minutes or until the cross has widened and the bread is golden brown. Transfer to a rack to cool completely. Slice or wrap the loaf in a moist towel until ready to serve. Allow the loaf to completely cool before slicing.