Mom's Irish Soda Bread

March 13, 2009

I have many great memories from my childhood, but every year on March 17, I will always think of the Saint Patrick's Day celebrations at 241 Highland Avenue. Irish music playing loudly on the stereo (back when there were still records), kids and adults doing the Irish jig, more than a couple of beers being consumed and the stove heating up the house all day while the freshly baked scent of Irish Soda Bread wafted through the air. My mother baked them in assorted sizes and wrapped them in tissue paper with green, orange and white ribbons with mini-flags for all of the neighbors. Like corned beef and cabbage, it doesn't really matter whether you love Irish Soda Bread or not, it is tradition!

When you are out this weekend picking up your groceries, don't forget to get everything you need to start your own Saint Patty's Day traditions. Oh and a case of beer never hurts!

One more thing...don't forget to wear green or you'll have to get on line at town hall to get your fanny painted green! That's what my mother used to tell me and my sisters and when I told my kids the same thing this week, there were many giggles...

Happy Saint Patrick's Day from all of your friends at Foodie Favorites and may we all be so lucky as to find that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!

Mom's Irish Soda Bread
Recommend using round cast iron pans if available- Makes either 1 medium (approx 8") AND 1 small loaf (approx 6") or 1 large loaf (approx 10" round). Note: If not using cast iron pans, not all pans are oven safe so make sure the handles can withstand the heat.
Adjust accordingly if you are using different sizes or types of pans.

Ingredients:
3 1/2 cups pre-sifted flour
2/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 1/2 cups raisins
1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
2 eggs lightly beaten
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
2 tablespoons melted butter- cooled

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease pan(s). In a mixing bowl combine the 1st 6 ingredients (through caraway seeds). Set aside. In another bowl mix eggs, buttermilk and butter and add to dry ingredients. Mix lightly until moistened. Do not over mix. Turn batter into pan(s) and bake for about 1 hour until golden. Depending on your oven, it might be a little less (use the toothpick test).

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