WHOLE WHEAT SODA BREAD

Steps:

• Heat oven to 450°F.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, whole wheat flour, wheat germ, salt and baking soda.
• Using your fingertips, work the softened butter into the flour mixture.
• In a small bowl, whisk the egg.
• Add the buttermilk to the egg; mix well.
• Make a well in the flour and add most of the buttermilk/egg mixture - reserving about 1/4 cup.
• Use your hands to combine the dry and wet ingredients until it forms a loose dough.
• If the dough will not come together, add some or all of the remaining buttermilk/egg mixture.
• On a well-floured surface, turn out the dough.
• Sprinkle the dough with flour and shape it into a 7-8 inch circle.
• Flatten it slightly with the tips of your fingers.
• Place the loaf on a baking sheet (I line mine with parchment paper).
• Score (criss-cross) the top of the loaf with a bread knife, cutting about 1/4 inch deep, and making three cuts in one direction and 3 more cuts crossing them.
• Bake for 15 minutes at 450°F.
• Reduce the heat to 400 F and continue baking another 20 minutes.
• If you have an instant read thermometer, insert it halfway into the bottom of the loaf.
• The thermometer should read 190/195 F when baked.
• Let cool for 15 minutes; then serve.