Delicious Irish Soda Bread

 Delicious Irish Soda Bread

With St. Patrick's Day behind, I realized that I had to share this delicious Irish Soda Bread recipe I make each year around this time!  It is so much better than the store-bought varieties and since I get migraines with any and all processed store-bought foods, this is an amazing way to enjoy Irish Soda bread made at home.  Also, this recipe uses a few items you probably already have stocked in your pantry.  The main ingredient in this bread is caraway seeds which lend a licorice flavor to the bread.  I usually serve this warm with softened butter.  The raisins add a sweetness to the bread and a pop of flavor in each and every bite.  I use all purpose flour which gives it a good texture but I am sure you could do 50% whole wheat flour and 50% all purpose flour and gain the same great texture.  The baking soda and baking powder together give it a great rise and it elevates far above the baking dish.  I also use organic flour, organic raisins, organic butter, and organic sugar for this bread.  I'm always looking for ways to reduce my toxic load and using organic ingredients is a great way to do this. 

• All purpose flour: This gives the bread a nice texture.  You can use 50% whole wheat flour with 50% all purpose flour for the same texture.
• Raisins:  Add sweetness to the bread.  In order to get the perfect flavor, I would recommend not using any other dried fruit and opting for seedless, organic raisins.
• Caraway Seeds:  Add a hint of licorice flavor.  You could subsitute fennel seeds if you do not have caraway seeds.  Either way, you have to put 1 tablespood of these seeds in your bread.
• Baking Soda and Baking Powder:  With salt, these two ingredients help this bread rise right out of the baking pan.  
• Buttermilk:  Assists with the rising of the bread as it interacts with baking soda to produce the gas that assists with the rise.  It also adds a delicious tangy flavor to the bread.

So I have to say this is one of the only Irish Soda bread recipes I have made, but it is less dense than the one I have had from the store.  It is delicious heated up with some soft butter on top!  I've lent this recipe to family and friends and everyone has loved it!  

Ingredients:

3 1/2 cups flour

1/3 cup sugar

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder 

1 1/2 cup raisins

1 1/3 cup buttermilk

2 beaten eggs

4 tbsp melted butter

1/2 tsp vanilla

1 tbsp caraway seeds

Directions:

Mix dry ingredients.  Mix liquid ingredients.  Mix together until well blended.  Grease and four dish.  Bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes.  

There you have it!  I hope you enjoy this delicious and easy Irish Soda bread just as much as my family and I have!