A family that lived across the street from my childhood home was from Ireland. The Mrs. would make this (very) sweet bread and bring it over to us a few times a year. We loved it, especially slathered in butter. I was so happy when she gave me the recipe.

I thought that this was the real deal, you know IRISH soda bread, since she was Irish.

Well, now being married to an Irishman and having visited Ireland on many occasions, I realize that this is as far from traditional Irish Soda Bread as you can get. They don’t call it “Irish” soda bread in Ireland, of course. True soda bread is a simple, delicious, plain loaf of brown bread.

I just had to share this recipe with you, though, because as sweet breads go, it is really, really good. And it brings back fond childhood memories. I wish I could find Mrs. McC and find out the origins of her bread.

Sweet Irish Soda Bread

Ingredients:

4 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup sugar
2 tsp salt
8 oz raisins
2 1/3 cups buttermilk

Ingredients for glaze:

2 Tbs sugar
1/4 cup milk

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350℉/180℃.

2. Soak raisins in hot water for 10 minutes. Rinse with cold water and dry.

3. Combine flour, sugar, salt and baking soda. Pour buttermilk in. Knead on a lightly floured surface for a few minutes.

4. Shape into a round loaf and place in a greased 10 inch cast iron skillet.

5. Bake for 70 to 85 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the bread comes out clean.

6. Combine glaze ingredients and immediately spoon over the bread.

7. Cool on a wire rack.

Back to Ireland for some music. This time Dublin’s Ham Sandwich is on deck.

Ants. Ham Sandwich. A veritable picnic. This is a lovely song.

Check out Ham Sandwich on the band’s Website, where you can buy the music, and Facebook.

Sláinte!