Whole Wheat Soda Bread

Step 1: Heat oven to 450°F (230C / Gasmark 8)

Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, whole wheat flour, wheat germ, salt and baking soda.

Step 3: Using your fingertips, work the softened butter into the flour mixture.

Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk the egg. Add the buttermilk to the egg; mix well.

Step 5: Make a well in the flour and add most of the buttermilk/egg mixture - reserving about 1/4 cup.

Step 6: Use your hands to combine the dry and wet ingredients until it forms a loose dough. If the dough will not come together, add some or all of the remaining buttermilk/egg mixture.

Step 7: On a well-floured surface, turn out the dough. Sprinkle the dough with flour and shape it into a 7-8 inch circle. Flatten it slightly with the tips of your fingers.

Step 8: Place the loaf on a baking sheet lightly greased or lined with parchment paper.

Step 9: Score (criss-cross) the top of the loaf with a bread knife, cutting about 1/4 inch deep, and making three cuts in one direction and 3 more cuts crossing them.

Step 10: Bake for 15 minutes at 450°F (230C / gasmark 8).

Step 11: Reduce the heat to 400F (205C / gasmark 6) and continue baking another 20 minutes.

Step 12: If you have an instant read thermometer, insert it halfway through the bottom of the loaf. The thermometer should read 190/195F (88/90C) when baked.

Step 13: Let cool for 15 minutes; then serve.