Fennel-scented Soda Bread

Preheat the oven to 180 C / Gas 4. Grease a 25cm round cake tin.

In a large bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, salt, sugar and fennel seed. In another bowl, stir together the eggs, buttermilk and melted butter. Stir the wet ingredients into the flour mixture, until just blended using a large spoon. Spoon the batter into the prepared tin. Dot with the 3 tablespoons of chilled butter.

Bake for about 1 hour in the preheated oven, or until puffed and golden. Cut into wedges and serve warm.