Honey & Walnut Soda Bread

Ingredients:

(Makes 2 loaves)

200g honey

200g walnuts

500g plain wholemeal flour, plus extra for dusting

10g salt

4 tsp baking powder

300ml water

Method:

Preheat the oven to 200C/gas 6. 

Soften the honey in a pan over a gentle heat. 

Using a pestle and mortar, crush half of the walnuts very finely, almost to a powder. Crush the other half very coarsely. This gives lots of flavour from the crushed nuts, and texture from the large pieces.

Combine the flour, salt, baking powder and walnuts in a bowl. Add the honey and water, and mix together until evenly combined. 

Knead briefly to a firm dough. Divide the dough in two and shape into rough rounds. Flatten to about 5cm high and cut a deep cross in each, almost through to the base. 

Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the base.

Allow to cool a little on a wire rack (don't be surprised by how stodgy and sweet this loaf is!)

(Courtesy of River Cottage Baking)