Irish Soda Bread

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1. 1Step 1: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
2. 2Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, salt), reserving some flour for later.
3. 3Step 3: Gradually add the buttermilk, stirring with a wooden spoon or mixing with your hands. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
4. 4Step 4: When the dough is still wet but not sticky, turn it out onto a floured work surface and shape it into a ball.
5. 5Step 5: Pat the ball into a round loaf that fits into your baking pan, almost touching the edges of the pan.
6. 6Step 6: Optional: Dust the loaf with a sprinkle of rolled oats.
7. 7Step 7: Place the dough into the baking pan and score an X on top of the loaf, about 1/4 inch deep.
8. 8Step 8: Bake on the center rack of the oven for 20 minutes.
9. 9Step 9: Turn the oven temperature down to 400 degrees and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes, until the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
10. 10Step 10: Cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.