How to Make Irish Soda Bread

Soda bread is a popular St. Patrick's Day food

How to Make Irish Soda Bread. Guinness and brown bread are two things the Irish have refined to an art. Here's a version sure to please. Makes two loaves.

Things You'll Need

• 1 tsp. salt
• 3/4 tsp. baking soda
• knife
• 1 c. raisins or currants, rinsed in hot water and patted dry
• baking sheets
• 2 c. buttermilk
• 1 tbsp. double-acting baking powder
• mixing bowls
• wooden skewers
• 1 tbsp. caraway seeds
• wire racks
• 4 c. bread flour
• Wooden Skewers
• Baking Sheets
• Knife
• Mixing Bowls
• Wire Racks
• Baking sheets
• Mixing bowls

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Sift together flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda in a large bowl.

3. Stir in raisins and caraway seeds.

4. Add buttermilk and stir mixture until it forms a dough.

5. Turn dough out onto a well-floured surface. Knead 1 minute.

6. Divide the dough in half. With floured hands, shape each half into a round loaf.

7. Place loaves on a lightly greased baking sheet.

8. Cut an "X" 1/4-inch deep across the top of each loaf with a sharp knife.

9. Bake the loaves for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. They should be crusty.

10. Transfer loaves to a wire rack and let cool.

Tips & Warnings

• For an non-Irish twist, try substituting dried cranberries for the raisins or currants.

• Omit the fruit for a more savory bread.