Cheese and Onion Soda Bread

Last night we were trying to eat through the leftovers in the fridge. We had leftover corn chowder and vegetable and bulgur soup. So, I pulled together a salad and made this delightful version of a soda bread. This is a recipe from a book I got on the bargain aisle at the book store. It's called 100 Great Breads by Paul Hollywood. Serve this bread warm right out of the oven with butter. I don't know that it's a traditional Irish soda bread (cheese and onions don't seem too far fetched), but it sure tastes good!

Cheese and Onion Soda Bread
Ingredients:
Scant 4 cups white bread flour, plus extra for dusting
1.5 tsp salt
1.25 cups buttermilk
2 tbs sugar
3/4 stick butter, softened
1 tbs baking powder
1 onion, peeled and finely chopped
3/4 cup grated Cheddar cheese

1. Preheat the oven to 425. Line a baking sheet or prepare a baking stone.

2. Put all the ingredients except the onion and cheese in a food mixer and, using a paddle blade and medium speed, blend together for 2 minutes. Alternatively, put into a bowl and mix well by hand for 5 minutes. Add the onion and cheese and incorporate. Don't overmix.

3. Divide the dough into two pieces and tip out onto a lightly floured counter. Shape each piece into a ball, then flatted each with your hand so they are approximately 2 inches/5 cm thick. Cut a deep cross into each, then dust with a little flour and put on the baking sheet or stone.

4. Bake for 3o minutes and serve warm.