Irish Soda Bread

I know I'm a bit ahead of myself seeing as Saint Patrick's Day isn't until next week, but I could not resist making a batch of Irish Soda Bread. It's one of those breads that goes well with everything. I've had it with Corned Beef or Beef Stew, but I've also had it for breakfast with extra maple syrup drizzled on top. As my mother would say: "It's to die for" and it is incredibly simple. I mean probably one of the simplest breads to make on the planet. And it's delicious. I've already had two slices and I'm thinking about going back for a third. Just warning you in advance to excuse any crumbs that may fall as I write this.

This recipe comes from the depths of my mother's Longaberger basket, the home to all of our most beloved family recipes. I think I remember her saying that we actually got this from a family friend and as you can see, it has been copied multiple times, which means that it has to be good.

To start, you want to gather: sugar, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cream of tartar, margarine, butter milk, raisins, carraway seeds, and maple syrup.

Start by adding the flour to a large mixing bowl. Also, make sure to spill some on your table so I'm not the only one who makes a mess.

Then add in your baking powder. I'll give you five guesses on how I know it's baking powder. I am such a comedian.

Then add in the baking soda, sugar, salt, and cream of tartar. I got really lazy and didn't feel like photographing each ingredient. I like to be wild and crazy sometimes.

Mix the dry ingredients together until combined. Then add in one stick of margarine. Watch it lay there peacefully for a few seconds.

Then proceed to cut it into the dry ingredients. This is where you can really let your frustrations out. Make sure to cut the margarine into roughly the size of peas. Also, make sure that the focus on your photo is completely off. We wouldn't want anyone to know exactly what you're doing, now would we? 

Take a nice long cry about it and then proceed.

Pour the buttermilk into the mixture and stir to combine. The dough should be very sticky.

Add in the raisins and carraway seeds. Mix until it forms a large ball.

On a greased baking sheet, flatten the ball of dough to approximately a 7 inch diameter and 1 1/4 inch height.

Make a cross on the top of the bread that is 1/4 inch deep. Then drizzle on some maple syrup and brush over the top.

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

Super simple Irish Soda Bread that will make everyone think you actually are Irish. Pair it with some Corned Beef and Cabbage for Saint Patty's Day! Recipe below!

Irish Soda Bread

Makes one large bread.

Ingredients:

3 cups flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/4 cup sugar

3/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp cream of tartar

1/2 cup (1 stick) margarine

1 1/2 cups butter milk

1 cup raisins

1 tsp carraway seeds

Maple syrup (to taste)

Instructions:

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Combine dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Cut one stick of margarine into the dry ingredients until it is roughly the size of peas. Pour in the butter milk and stir to combine. The dough should be moist at this point. Mix in raisins and carraway seeds until evenly dispersed. Shape the dough into a large ball and place on a greased cookie sheet. Flatten until the dough is approximately 7 inches in diameter and 1 1/4 inches in height. Using a knife, make a cross on the top of the dough that is 1/4 inch deep. Brush some maple syrup over the top. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the top is golden brown. Serve with a pat of butter and enjoy!