Hi all, I thought of this site when I saw this article in the New York Times...a bit on the differences between Irish Irish Soda Bread and Stateside Irish Soda Bread. I myself have never made soda bread, but I think this weekend I'll do a little of both.
I think you might have to register to read but it's free.
Thanks so much for sharing that with us. I usually post Mary Browne's recipie from Bunratty Lodge www.bunrattylodge.com around this time of year and will do so below. It is a really easy recipie.
The staff of Irish life is brown bread - sometimes referred to as Irish soda bread. There are countless recipes all over the country but the secret is to use real buttermilk. Most tourists are introduced to the wholesome nutty flavor at breakfast, with tea or as an accompaniment to a bowl of soup. The taste and scent of real homemade Irish brown bread is a treat that many want to bring back from vacation to enjoy in their own homes. Mary Browne of Bunratty Lodge Bed-and-Breakfast has generously shared her delicious recipe for Irish brown bread with all of us. Indulge in a little taste of Ireland!
8 ozs. wholemeal flour (whole wheat) 8 ozs. white flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) 1 egg 1 pint of buttermilk
With a large spoon, mix all the ingredients to a moist consistency (do not over stir) and bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees in a ring tin (bunt pan). Cool for ten minutes on a wire rack and turn out of the pan. Allow to cool, slice and enjoy.
Thanks Michele for posting this again. I've been baking up a storm the last four months, trying to keep us stocked on homemade breads. I'll add this one to the list for a good, tried and true quick bread!
I make my Irish wife a loaf of Irish soda bread every Saturday morning. I'm the morning person in the family (I'm getting ready to make the bread now). I tried to get the recipe from my sister in law in Co. Westmeath, but she doesn't cook by recipes. She's amazing to see in action, but impossible to replicate. I use a recipe that I acquired in Roundstone last year:
12 oz whole wheat flour 4 oz unbleached white flour 1/4 tsp salt 1 tsp baking soda 1/2-3/4 pint buttermilk
She loves to wake up to the smell of fresh bread. She'll top it with Kerrygold butter and McCutcheon's orange marmalade.
I'll be glad to teach your husband how to keep you in good care! I great great satisfaction from seeing my wife's enjoyment. The fresh brown bread has to be one of the highlights of Irish B&B's. The first time I found Kerrygold butter in a local supermarket, my wife could hardly believe it. Now, if I could locate some Irish sausage and bacon locally...
I have yet to find Irish bacon and sausage in the US. I have found cheese, butter, Bantry Bay mussels, porridge, beer, etc. at my local Publix. I don't know if you have Publix in your area.
Now if you could teach my husband to cook, you would be a miracle worker! Oh, well, he has other talents.