Irish Soda Bread

I thought I'd share my Irish Soda Bread recipe again this year.Soda bread is like a loaf version of a scone, if you've never had it. It's delicious. Try it!

Soda Bread-- makes 2 loaves
6 Tablespoons margarine or butter
5 cups flour
4 Tablespoons sugar*
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup currants or raisins
1 teaspoon caraway seed
1 1/4 cups buttermilk
1 beaten egg

*The recipe that my mother passed on to me used 4 TBS. sugar. I prefer mine sweeter and use 1/2 cup.

Cut margarine/butter into flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Stir in raisins/currants, egg and buttermilk to make a soft dough.

Turn onto lightly floured surface and knead until smooth (one to two minutes). Shape into round loaves, about 6 1/2" in diameter. Place onto greased cookie sheet (or into greased cast iron skillet). Using a sharp, floured knife, cut a large X into the top of the loaf, going about 1/4 of the way through the loaf with the slices.

As an option, which I highly recommend, brush the top of the loaves with a little melted butter/margarine and sprinkle about a teaspoon of sugar over the top of the loaf. It gives it a nice finished appearance.

Bake in 375 degree oven until golden brown, about 35-45 minutes.

Now, make yourself a cup of tea, and slather the hot soda bread with butter and jam and you will have yourself a little taste of heaven. Enjoy!

Here's the link to my posting of this recipe last year.