Kathleen’s Irish Soda Bread Recipe

For more information and pics: https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/irish_soda_bread/

The story goes that good Irish cooks never measure, so when I took down this recipe at Kathleen’s table many, many years ago (on the back of an envelope), I was given that disclaimer. It took me many a try to get it all straight. You can find many Irish soda bread recipes out there on the internet now, but ‘back in the day,’ this recipe was a long held secret!

Irish Soda Bread: Preheat the oven to 375*

Sift together:

2 1/2 C flour

1/2 tsp. baking soda

2 “generous” tsp. baking powder

(“a bit of salt”) 1 tsp.

“a few” spoons of sugar (3-4)

Cut 3 tbsp. of softened buttered into the dry mix.

Add 3 tsp. caraway seeds

1 egg

1 C buttermilk

1/2 box of raisins (“In good times, I always add more!”)

Roll out onto a lightly floured bread board and knead for just a few minutes. Shape and cut with the “sign of the cross” using a sharp knife. (“Always remember to say a small prayer.”)

Bake for 45 mins. Serve with a generous amount of butter, and a good hot cup of tea!

I make two loaves at a time and bake them on a greased cookie sheet. Watch carefully while in the oven, the bottom can easily grow crusty and dark.

My thanks to Mrs. Vokes for all the wonderful loaves that were dropped off on our doorstep. We’d never caught her! She was a true Irish rascal! One thing’s for certain, a load of butter smeared on top is the key!