Authentic Irish Soda Bread

Happy St. Patrick's Day! At our house, we don't go crazy celebrating this holiday, even though Kevin is Irish. We do usually make a traditional meal with Kevin's favorite foods. If you're looking for inspiration, try pairing colcannon with lamb or corned beef. I love colcannon because it's a mixture of cabbage and potatoes, it's hearty and really tasty! This recipe is very close to what I make, although I usually add cheese. What's better than loaded mashed potatoes mixed with sauteed cabbage?

One thing Kevin loves to make every year is Irish soda bread. This recipe was passed down to us from his great grandmother, so it's both special and authentic!

Authentic Irish Soda Bread
3 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
pinch of salt
1 cup sugar
1 stick of butter or margarine,
8 oz. of raisins *optional
2 eggs, beaten
buttermilk (~ 1 cup, enough to make stiff dough)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl, mix flour, salt, sugar and baking soda. Mix the butter into the dry mixture with a wooden spoon, until it is well incorporated. Add in raisins and beaten eggs, mix. Add enough buttermilk to form a stiff dough (probably ~1 cup but this amount will vary). Bake until a knife or toothpic inserted comes out clean, for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. We usually bake it in a cast iron skillet and put a cross in the top of the dough. If it begins to brown too much before it is done in the middle, tent with foil.

Enjoy a slice with butter for breakfast or a snack. This makes a good addition to dinner if you omit the raisins (or not, if you like).