This is a recipe I make once a year on St. Patrick’s Day. I was relieved when I first discovered it in the Chicago Tribune over 20 years ago to make for my new Irish husband. It isn’t a typical Myplate2yours recipe, but for St. Patrick’s Day, I had to share this annual treat with you (thanks to the encouragement of some Irish friends!). You’ll find that as soon as it comes out of the oven, this sweet, tender bread is irresistible and you may not wait a whole year to make it again. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Irish Soda Bread (makes 2 medium loaves, 26 slices)
©myplate2yours
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon each: baking soda, baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 1/3 cups lowfat buttermilk
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 cup currants or raisins
Heat oven to 350°F. Grease a large baking sheet. Combine flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Make a well in the center. Combine butter, buttermilk, and egg in a 2-cup liquid measuring cup. Add the liquids to the dry ingredients, pouring into the well and stirring to form a soft dough. Add raisins or currants and mix lightly. Transfer batter to the baking sheet, shaping the dough into 2 equal balls. Bake until set, 40-45 minutes. Enjoy!