Irish Soda Bread

I always had trouble making a decent soda bread on St. Patty's Day. That is until I found this simple recipe!!! Soda bread dates all the way back to the 1840s. This simple quick bread is a staple of the irish diet and compliments many traditional irish dishes.



Irish Soda Bread

2 cups all purpose flour (I like to use 1 cup each of white & wheat flour)
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 Tbsp brown sugar
1/4 tsp salt
3 Tbsp butter, cut into pieces
2 eggs, beaten
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup golden raisins

1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, brown sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
2. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Combine 1 beaten egg, raisins and buttermilk.
4. Add to mixture above and stir until just moistened.
5. On a lightly floured surface, knead gently for 12 strokes.
6. On a greased baking sheet, shape the mixture into a 6 inch round loaf and cut a cross (4 inches wide and 1/4 inch deep) in the top. Some irish folk say that a cross is cut into the top of the bread to ward of evil or to let fairies out. I'd sooner think it's to let the steam escape, but what the hell do I know?
7. Brush with the other beaten egg.
8. Bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes or until golden and knife comes out clean.

Stay tuned for more irish recipes!!!