Irish Soda Bread

I came across the cookbook Irish Pub Cooking in the clearance section of Winners one day as I waited for the fiance to check out some clothing. It was on sale for only five dollars, and after a quick flip through the book, I decided that there were definitely some recipes worth making.

This cookbook appeared on my shelf several months ago, long before St. Patrick's Day was even in sight! However, I was happy that I had some recipes that I could now share with the blogging community that may be different from the typical Irish Cuisine. I had settled on making a nice loaf of this great Irish Soda Bread recipe due to it's ease and lack of ingredients. I'm also hoping to get more into the bread making habit, instead of just purchasing store bought stuff.

Little did I know that the entire blogging community seemed to have their own Soda Bread recipe saved up this year as well! As my life revolved more and more around the university library, recipes of this loaf started to spring up all over various food blogs. With a sigh, I watched as St. Patties day came and passed within a chance to make this tasty looking loaf. 

Until at last, a month later, I finally managed to march into the kitchen with the expressed purpose of baking some bread. As soon as it was in the oven (a mere 15 minutes later), I couldn't believe that I hadn't made it sooner! Cooking procrastination really let me down this time...

Luckily, I now have a great tasting Irish Soda Bread recipe that I will undoubtedly make several times again before St. Patties rolls around again! Besides, you don't need to wait for a holiday to have good food! It makes an especially good grilled cheese or fried egg sandwich. I only regret I didn't get the chance to make it into french toast! But soon I hope! 

Irish Soda Bread 

Flour - 4 cups

Salt - 1 tsp

Baking Soda - 1 tsp

Buttermilk - 2 cups

Vegetable Oil - for brushing

Preheat the over to 425F. Brush a baking sheet lightly with the vegetable oil and set aside. 

In a large bowl, add the flour, salt and baking soda. Stir together until well blended. Make a well in the center and gradually add the buttermilk. You want the dough to be soft, but not too wet. If you have some buttermilk left over, just keep to the side. Mix well with a wooden spoon as you add the milk, then with your hands until the dough forms a small ball. 

Turn out the dough on a lightly floured counter and knead lightly and briefly. Shape into a round loaf, approx 8" across. Place on the greased baking sheet. 

With a sharp knife, cut a cross into the top. According to Irish mythology, this cross is to ward off evil or to let fairies out. It also has the benefit or helping the bread to rise. 

Bake for around 30-40 minutes or until the top of the bread is golden brown. When lifting the loaf and tapping the bottom, it should give a nice hollow sound. Let cool on a wire rack for a few minutes, then serve warm.