COOKING WITH CLORIS--IRISH SODA BREAD

This has been some winter, hasn’t it? Snow, snow, and more snow. So much snow that one of my neighbors created the giant snowman pictured here. He’s as tall as Frozen’s Marshmallow but much friendlier looking, don’t you think?

Anyway, what better way to chase away the cold than to warm your home by baking something yummy? And since St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner, why not try your hand at a loaf of Irish soda bread? After all, you don't have to be Irish to enjoy this staple of St. Patrick's Day. Anyone know how to say “bon appétit” in Gaellic?

photo by Heather Kennedy

Traditional Irish Soda Bread

(makes 1 loaf)

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 -1 1/4 cup buttermilk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Whisk together dry dry ingredients in a large bowl.

Add buttermilk and knead mixture into a ball. Add a tablespoon or two more buttermilk if necessary. You want the dough moist but not so sticky.

Shape the dough into a round loaf on the baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, cut a large X into the top of the loaf.  

Bake for 45 minutes or until the loaf turns a dark golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing.