Sunday Best

 

St. Patty's Day is tomorrow! This year I will most likely avoid the crowded pubs filled with college students and green beer. But there's no reason to stop tradition. Every year growing up, my mom would make a wonderful loaf of Irish Soda Bread a week or so before the holiday, and every morning for breakfast I would toast a piece and slather it with butter. It bakes beautifully, has a wonderful combination of flavors, and is perfect with a cup of tea.

 I never realized until now that Irish Soda Bread has somewhat of a bad rep. Traditionally, it's made with caraway seeds, which certainly have a distinct flavor that takes some getting used to. And I guess it's a bread that is often associated with being too dry. But it doesn't have to be! And perhaps it's just not what people are expecting after taking a first bite. There is no yeast in Irish Soda Bread (baking soda is the leavener), hence the name. It's almost like a scone. Buttermilk will keep this bread moist and lend a nice tangy flavor. My recipe is really fool-proof. Just make sure to cut an "X" across each loaf before baking! This will yield a nice top.

 Irish Soda Bread (makes 2 small rounds)
You will need:

4 cups flour
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/3 cups buttermilk
2 eggs, beaten
1/3 cup canola oil
2 cups golden raisins
 Caraway seeds (optional) *I used about 1 1/2 teaspoons*


1. Preheat the oven to 350 and line a baking sheet with parchment.

2. In mixing bowl combine first 4 ingredients and with a whisk mix everything to incorporate evenly.

3. Add the rest of the ingredients to the dry mix and with paddle attachment (or wooden spoon if doing by hand) mix just until everything comes together. The dough will be very sticky.

4. Lightly flour a clean surface and knead the dough until its smooth. Shape into 2 rounds and with a knife mark a large X on the top of each. Set on the baking sheet and bake for about 45 min.

5. The rounds should be golden brown when done. Tap on the bottom and if it sounds hollow this is also a good indicator they are ready. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

 *Special Tip* Serve with whipped honey butter