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Apr 2, 2013

Irish Soda Bread



I tried something new this weekend. Irish Soda Bread. I'm by no means a baker - I don't have the patience - but this bread is so easy. Since there's no yeast and proofing to wait for, you can have the whole thing done in an hour. And a warm slice on your plate with butter and jam two minutes after that.

Irish Soda Bread

Here's what you'll need to make two loaves.

3 cups all-purpose flour
1.5 tsps baking soda
1.5 tsps salt
2 cups buttermilk (or you can use regular milk and add 2 tbsp. of lemon juice to it)
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1/2 cup dried fruit


Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a large bowl, mix together your flour, baking soda, and salt.  Add in your fruit and nuts. We were really low on supplies so all I had were cashews and canned pineapple. I would have preferred dried cranberries, but you work with what you have. Add your buttermilk. If you are using milk & lemon juice, let it sit for 10 minutes before adding it to the mixture.

Stir your mixture for a minute or two but don't over mix it. Dust some flour onto the counter or a cutting board and plop your dough down. Form it into a ball and divide it into two parts. Shape each half into a loaf and place it on a baking sheet (dusted with flour if you want). This bread doesn't rise very much so you'll have to decide how tall you want it to be. I think I'll make smaller, higher loaves next time. Cut a cross-hatch or stripes into the top of each loaf to allow for expansion and to ensure the bread bakes evenly.

Irish Soda Bread

I had some leftover cashews so I sprinkled them on the top. You could also brush the loaves with melted butter if you wanted to. Put the loaves into the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Insert a toothpick or knife into the centre of each loaf. If it comes out clean your bread is finished baking. Adjust baking time as needed.

Once removed from the oven you have two choices. If you want a crusty loaf, let them cool as they are. If you like your bread softer, wrap each loaf in a damp (not wet) tea towel and leave to cool. I personally like a harder crust but Tom doesn't, so I wrapped them.

Irish Soda Bread

Look at that. Perfect golden brown doneness.

Irish Soda Bread

At this point you'll want to slice into this beauty and slather it with butter and jam. Or peanut butter. Or cream cheese. Or even guacamole. The options are endless.

Irish Soda Bread

Irish Soda Bread

Irish Soda Bread

This bread was just a little too easy. Dangerously so. Especially since I'm trying to stick to following a Paleo lifestyle. I could see myself baking (and eating) a loaf every day. I'm going to have to start giving it away I think.


What's your favourite quick bread recipe?

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I'm linking up to these food parties this week!












9 comments:

Barb @ Turtles and Tails said...

Looks really delicious and just like what my Mom bakes....I'm Irish and this looks the real deal!
Emma Deirdre
www.e-ddoesit.com

Barb @ Turtles and Tails said...

That's a huge compliment - thank you!

Barb @ Turtles and Tails said...

Yum! And I do the same trick when I don't have buttermilk. Thanks for sharing at Pinworthy Projects.

Barb @ Turtles and Tails said...

YUM!!! I'll have to try this!!! Looks amazing! I bet your whole house smelled divine while baking this!!! Thanks for linking up at Give Me The Goods Monday! Features will be posted Sunday!!!

Amy @ www.commona-myhouse.blogspot.com

Barb @ Turtles and Tails said...

Can you come to my house? :D This looks amazing.
Thanks for linking up.
p

Barb @ Turtles and Tails said...

Looks delicious! Thank you for sharing at our ALL MY BLOGGY FRIENDS party :-)

Barb @ Turtles and Tails said...

Thanks! (Should I admit I've made about 4-5 loaves since?)

Barb @ Turtles and Tails said...

Thank you! It's soooo easy! I've made a few since.

Barb @ Turtles and Tails said...

Thank you! It did smell good!

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