Irish Soda Bread for St. Patrick's Day

Here's a good, authentic Irish recipe for St. Patrick's Day!  It is great served with a hearty beef stew.  I got this particular one off food.com.

Irish Soda Bread

4 cups flour

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 cups buttermilk

Preheat oven to 375 degrees and grease a baking sheet or round pan.

Mix the flour, salt, and baking soda; add the buttermilk and stir briskly with a fork until the dough holds together in a rough mass.

Knead on a lightly floured board for about 30 seconds, then form into an 8-inch round, about 1 1/2 inches thick.

Slash a large about 1/4 inch deep X across the top, and bake for 45-50 minutes, until browned and the X has spread open.

Cool on a rack, and then wrap in a slightly damp towel and let rest on the rack for at least 8 hours.