Foreign Food Focus: Irish Soda Bread

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Before I get to today's post, just a reminder that the SpinningLeaf giveaway ends tonight at 10pm EST. Make sure you get in your entries!

March is just getting away from me! I think Chocolate Chip Cookie week had something to do with it, but now I feel like I am playing catch-up. I am definately not complaining because I am thrilled that my posting level is back up to where I want it. I am, however, wishing I had a little more time to get this FFF up this month. But, I wanted to get it posted today so here it is!

Last month Nathan and I decided that Irish food would be a good choice for FFF because of St. Patrick's Day. Irish Soda Bread is something I have always wanted to try but have never actually made. Traditional Irish Soda Bread is very basic. No add ins (such as seeds or raisins) and no butter or eggs. Just flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk.

This is a great quick bread to make if you need something to serve with your dinner. We ate it with a roast and potatoes and it was fantastic. Basically just a big buttermilk biscuit. YUM!

Irish Soda Bread

4 cups (16 oz) of all purpose flour.
1 Teaspoon baking soda
1 Teaspoon salt
14 oz of buttermilk

Method:

Preheat the oven to 425 F. degrees. Lightly crease and flour a cake pan.

In a large bowl sieve and combine all the dry ingredients.

Add the buttermilk to form a sticky dough. Place on floured surface and lightly knead (too much allows the gas to escape)

Shape into a round flat shape in a round cake pan and cut a cross in the top of the dough.

Cover the pan with another pan and bake for 30 minutes (this simulates the bastible pot). Remove cover and bake for an additional 15 minutes.

The bottom of the bread will have a hollow sound when tapped so show it is done.

Cover the bread in a tea towel and lightly sprinkle water on the cloth to keep the bread moist.