Irish Soda Bread

Last year was the first year I made Irish Soda Bread.  It was a huge hit at our house.  We love to play Irish pub music and have a traditional Irish dinner on St. Patrick's Day (no we are not Irish , it's just something fun we do). This recipe is a combination of recipes from Martha Stewart, Ina Garten and my friend Katie's Irish Grandmother.  I took what I liked from all of them and made my own.  The difference THIS year is that I actually wrote it down!  It's so simple you will HAVE to try it!

Mix the dry ingredients in the mixer.

Whisk the buttermilk and eggs and then add to the dry mixture.

Add one cup of golden raisins and one cup of regular raisins.

Knead dough a few times on a floured surface, and then put onto a sheet pan covered with parchment paper.  Use a serrated knife to put an X on the dough, and brush with egg/cream mixture.  Bake at 375 for 50 minutes.

Use a tester to make sure the bread is completely cooked.  YUM.  Here is my recipe:

IRISH SODA BREAD

4 C Flour

1/4 C Sugar

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

4 tbs (1/2 stick) cold butter, cubed

put all the above ingredients into a mixer bowl.

1 3/4 C buttermilk

1 egg 

whisk the buttermilk and egg together and add to the dry mixture.

1 C golden raisins

1 C raisins

add the raisins to dough until incorporated.  turn out onto floured surface and knead a few times.   make an X on the top of the bread with a serrated knife and brush with 1 egg yolk and 1 tbs heavy cream.  place onto a sheet pan with parchment paper and bake in a 375 degree oven for 55 minutes.  (Cover it with foil if it starts to get too dark.  If you do less than 55 you might have a doughy center even though the outside is done.)