Saint Patrick's Day Irish Soda Bread

This is our rendition of Irish Soda Bread.  This bread is easily made with no need to wait for rising because there is no yeast used.  We have chose it because unlike Hot Cross Buns,  Irish Raisin bread can be made within 45 minutes. 

It is similar to a large biscuit.  The crust is brown and the texture flaky.  Our own recipe incorporates an egg in the mixture.  We found that the buttermilk and egg keep the bread slightly moister that a traditional Irish Soda Bread. 

The Irish raisin bread is loaded with both raisins and Golden raisins creating a beautiful color balance.  The dough is dotted with tasty caraway seeds that adds richness to the flavor.  Bake this bread and take it to your friends or families homes for a Saint Patrick's Day or Easter visit.  They will love it.  Better take two!     Ingredients:   Sweet Butter-3 tablespoons. Flour-2 3/4 cups Sugar-3 tablespoons. Baking Soda-1 teaspoon. Baking Powder-1 teaspoon. Salt-1/2 teaspoon. Golden Raisins-1/2 cup. Raisins-1/2 cup. Buttermilk-3/4 cup. Caraway Seeds-1 teaspoon. Whole Egg-1.   Instructions: In a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer cream the butter with the sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg and set aside.  In another bowl combine  the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Add the flour to the butter mixture in small amounts alternating with the buttermilk until just blended.  Dust the raisins with a little flour and add them to the dough along with the Caraway seeds.  Mix until incorporated.  Place the dough on to a lightly floured surface and knead for a few minutes only.  Shape the dough into an oblong loaf and place it on a parchment lined and greased cookie sheet.  Cut 2 "X's" into the top of the loaf.  Bake in a 375F degree oven until golden brown.  This should take about 40 minutes. It is delicious.  Eat it with plenty of butter fresh from the oven!

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Gary Solomon is the owner of The Kitchen Cupboard. One of the Kitchen Cupboard's specialties are their delicious cookies and rugelach. Visit Delicious Cookies to see for yourself! Online ordering is available. Or email Gary for further information. Gary is also the Food & Drink Editor of Why Men Are Online Magazine

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