Today's National Bread Day, a time when the we're called upon to enjoy the "delicious bread heritage" of Ireland and "soak up the aroma of freshly baked wheaten, soda, potato or braid bread, choose your favourite loaf, and join in the celebrations! Love Your Loaf!"

Who can say no to a slice of Irish soda bread. Dunked into a bowl of hearty soup or slathered with some butter and raspberry jelly, there really is nothing quite like it.

Here's a healthy and delicious recipe that's sure to bring a smile to the faces around your table.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 cups whole wheat flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

3/4 teaspoon salt

2 cups low-fat buttermilk

Cooking spray

Directions

Preheat oven to 450F

Combine the flours, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly. Make a well in the center of mixture. Add buttermilk to flour mixture; stir until blended (dough will be sticky). Turn dough out onto a generously floured surface. Knead lightly 4 to 5 times. Shape dough into an 8-inch round loaf; place on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. 

Bake at 450 for 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 400 and continue to bake for another 15 minutes, or until loaf sounds hollow when tapped underneath. Cool on a wire rack. Simple and delicious!

Healthy tip: To reduce calories simply use low-fat buttermilk instead of full-fat buttermilk.

Find more delicious Irish recipes here.