Fast and Easy Irish Soda Bread

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat your oven to 375 F. Lightly grease a large baking sheet or get out a cast iron skillet.In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt and butter. The butter should be pea sized when worked through the dough. Stir in the buttermilk and beaten egg. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead slightly. Form the dough into a round shape and place on prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, combine the melted salted butter with 1/4 cup buttermilk, Take a brush and then brush loaf with this mixture. Use a sharp knife to cut an 'X' into the top of the loaf.
2. 2
   Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean, anywhere from 45 to 50 minutes. Continue to brush the loaf with the butter mixture while it bakes, every 15 minutes.
3. 3
   Remove and cool slightly. Eat while warm and fresh.