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.
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!
Am looking forward to digging in to our bread… sans raisins! Are they missing from Step 3? I think I will just have to add more butter.
Right you are, Rick! I’ll update the recipe right now.
I cannot imagine the bread without raisins. You’ll have to let me know how it is.
It was awesome. We had it for dessert. I slathered it with butter for the kids, who I am constantly trying to fatten up, but it was delicious with or without. A sweet, dense bread.
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