Recipe: Spotted Dog (Rich Soda Bread)

Makes one 7-inch round loaf.

Note: This loaf calls for Kernza flour, a nutty, sweet flour close in taste to Irish wholemeal flour, but whole wheat flour works well, too. The oats add texture and flavor. This makes a wet, sticky batter-like dough that bakes up into a moist, tender loaf. To make it a "spotted dog," work 1/4 cup of raisins and 1 tablespoon of caraway seeds into the dough just before turning onto the baking sheet. From Beth Dooley.

• 1 1/4 c. all-purpose flour, plus a little more for sprinkling

• 1 c. Kernza or whole wheat flour (see Note)

• 1/2 c. old fashioned rolled oats

• 1 1/2 tsp. baking soda

• 1 tsp. salt

• 1 1/3 c. buttermilk or plain yogurt (not Greek-style)

• 1 tbsp. honey

Directions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Lightly sprinkle flour over a baking sheet or cast iron skillet.

Whisk together the flours, oats, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Add the butter and toss to coat with the flour, then use your fingertips to work it into a coarse meal. In a small dish, stir together the buttermilk or yogurt and honey, then add the mixture to the dough and stir until it is evenly moistened but still lumpy.