nana's Irish soda bread

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Irish Soda Bread is a traditional food that my family has around St. Patrick's Day every year. The recipe started with my nana's grandmother and has been passed down and modified to the recipe I have here, which comes from my great-grandmother from Ireland. The concept of Irish Soda Bread came about in the 1830s, when Ireland was going through some financial troubles. All they had were basic ingredients, and this is the bread they were able to make.

Irish Soda Bread is a quick and easy bread to make. You don't even need to wait for it to rise because there is no yeast involved. It is perfect for that last minute corned beef and cabbage dinner you were invited to. It is a dense bread, but is fluffy inside with a nice crust that forms on the outside. The raisins add the perfect amount of sweetness without being overbearing. That means you can have it as a breakfast, a side with your meal, or a dessert! I personally love having a warm slice of bread in the morning with butter that melts on top and a hot cup of tea. 

While making the bread, take this time to become aware of the aromas in the kitchen and the textures of the ingredients you are using. Light a candle, put on some soft music, and make baking an enjoyable moment rather than a stressful experience. Share this delicious treat with loved ones or make it together!

I hope you try this recipe! Let me know what you think.

Ingredients

• 3 cups sifted flour                   
• 2-3 tsp sugar                             
• 1 tbs baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups raisins
• 2 eggs (beaten)
• 1 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 2 tbs butter (melted)

Instructions

    1. Preheat the oven to 350° F.

    2. Sift the dry ingredients into a large bowl.

    3. Stir in the raisins.

    4. Combine the eggs, buttermilk, and butter in a medium bowl.

    5. Add the liquid mixture to dry ingredients and mix until its is moist with a tacky texture.

    6. Grease a baking dish and bake for 1 hour. The outside should brown forming a crust when it is done.

Tip:

Make a well in the dry ingredients. Then, pour the wet ingredients into the well and mix together. This lets the dry ingredients absorb the wet ingredients around the walls of the well, which makes the matter more smooth. It is also easier because all of your dry ingredients aren't hidden under the wet batter.

Here is your finished product. Don't forget to wear green and enjoy!