Posts Tagged ‘golden raisins’

h1

A Touch of Irish

March 9, 2013

irish soda bread iiiI know I’ve shared this recipe before, but it’s just so good.  I made two batches of this bread last weekend.  I like using the two raisins.  It’s a visual thing as well as a taste thing.  But if you don’t have golden raisins, don’t let that stop you.  I know I’ve mentioned this before, but I like to soak my raisins.  That simple step really adds a lot to the texture of the bread.  Give it a try.

This bread would be perfect for Easter brunch or any time of year.  It makes two large loaves that can easily be split, although I never seem to get that far.  We eat the bread so quickly, but you can make four smaller loaves to share with friends.

Serve this bread plain or with butter, but either way enjoy!

I’m waiting for spring.  I’m tired of snow.  We haven’t had a lot compared to some years, but it’s March and I’m so over it.  Last week I saw my daffodils popping up, and this week Meeshie had a snow day.  Crazy!

irish soda breadIrish Soda Bread
•6-6 1/2 C Flour, sifted
•1 C Sugar
•3 t Baking Powder
•1 t Baking Soda
•1 3/4 C Buttermilk
•2 Eggs, beaten
•1/4 C Butter, melted
•1 1/2 C Raisins, soaked in warm water for at least 20 minutes (I used 3/4 C regular raisins and 3/4 C golden raisins)

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Mix the flour (I start with 6 C), sugar, baking powder, and baking soda together in a bowl. In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, eggs and melted butter together. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the egg mixture in the center. Mix the ingredients with the dough hook on a stand mixer, if you have one. If not, mix the ingredients with a wooden spoon. Mix the ingredients together until well combined. Add the raisins and knead until fairly smooth. Turn out on floured countertop and continue to knead for another minute or two. If the dough is overly sticky, add more flour and continue kneading. Divide the dough into two parts. Place on the prepared cookie sheet and pat into two round loaves. With a butter knife, cut a cross about 1/2 inch deep on top of each loaf. Sprinkle with flour and bake for 45 to 50 minutes in a 350 degree oven until golden brown.