As we begin the new year, the brutal Midwestern winds and the lake effect snow machine are both working hard to bring us record low temperatures and extreme weather conditions. Many local schools/businesses are closed again today and I am anticipating a difficult commute to work this morning. As the sun comes up and the traffic begins to build, I will be keeping an eye on the posted travel alerts as I may, very well choose to work from home today.
While everyone is still tucked warm in their beds, I’ve decided to get an early start and begin baking a few items as we may be hunkered down indoors for a while. The warmth of the oven will certainly help to heat the chilly kitchen. It seems the heater is working double time to try to keep up with the thermostat.
Recently, I saw a post for Irish Soda Bread that caught my eye. You can find it posted as Irish Raisin Bread at “If I Only Had A Time Machine”. The recipe included many ingredients that I don’t typically add to my mother’s traditional recipe. With a few variations, I made the loaf for my family on Monday night. Boy, everyone certainly enjoyed the new flavors and textures of this recipe. Last night, I sliced up the last of the bread and vowed that I would soon make a few more loaves.
So, along with a pan of baked oatmeal, I think I’ll be making another batch of bread this morning. I’m sure the warmth of the oven and the smell of freshly baking bread with help to shake of the winter blues as we have many more months of this crazy weather ahead of us. (I just looked it up… we have 70 days and twelve hours left until the arrival of Spring.) Bundle up and stay warm!
Sweet Irish Soda Bread
(Adapted from If I Only Had A Time Machine)
5 cups Flour
1 cup Sugar
1 cup Brown Sugar
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1 teaspoon Salt
1 tablespoon Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg
1/2 cup Butter or Margarine, cold
2 cups Raisins
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon Rum Extract or Irish Whiskey
3 Eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cups Buttermilk or Sour Milk
2 tablespoons Old Fashioned Oats
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour two round cake or pie pans.
Combine first seven (dry) ingredients in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly. Cut in butter or margarine until the texture resembles course crumbs. Add raisins. In a separate bowl mix remaining (wet) ingredients. Mix wet ingredients into the dry ingredients forming a soft dough. Place dough onto a floured surface and knead well. Form into round cakes, place in prepared pans. Slice a light cross down the center of the loaves and sprinkle with oats. Bake for 40-50 minutes.
Simply Made Kitchen and Crafts 
Hmmm, looks very fluffy! 🙂
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It’s a great recipe. My family really loves it. You’re right, the center is tender and fluffy and the exterior is crusty and delicious. Thanks for your valued comment… Take care!
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Looks yummy! I bet it goes perfect with a cup of coffee!
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…Or, a piping hot cup of tea! It’s a great recipe. Thanks for your comment!😊
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Looks good!
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It really tastes good too, Helen! Thanks for your comment. Have a great day.
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Oh that looks like a lovely alternative to traditional soda bread! I must try it (of course with a good strong cup of milky black tea, and smothered in real butter! )
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…Just my style! My parents are born and raised in Ireland and that how we enjoyed Irish scones over the years. I wouldn’t have it any other way! Thanks for your comment!😊
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This bread looks so good! I also like to warm up my kitchen by baking! We have extreme cold where I live right now too!
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Well, bundle up and get baking! 😊😊
Stay warm and safe… Thanks for stopping by!
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Looks like a great recipe! Personally I’m not a big fan of soda bread because of the slight feeling of roughness on your teeth because of the soda, though I do eat it occasionally. I was wondering, though – here in Ireland they sell buttermilk in the shops. I’ve never seen it in shops in England. Is it available easily in the States? And is sour milk exactly the same?
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Yes, buttermilk is readily available in the States and using sour milk produces quite the same product. My parents were born and raised in Ireland and we used to visit yearly as a family once they moved to the States. I wish I could remember what liquid my grandmother used to make her brown bread loaf.
To make your own buttermilk, as I often do, measure 1 scant cup of milk. Stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let stand 5-10 minutes. Use this as your substitute. I usually mix milk and vinegar just before combining all of the dry ingredients. This way, the wet mixture has a few minutes to sit and curdle a bit.
Thanks for your valued comment… Enjoy your day!
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This looks very yummy. You can bet that I will be making this before the traditional Irish meal that we make for St. Patrick’s Day meal that we make every year.
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That sounds fantastic! Enjoy! And…
Happy Saint Patrick’s Day (a wee bit early!)
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Yes I know that it is early but we like to plan ahead so we can try new recipes before the Holiday.
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Don’t restrict yourself… Bake and enjoy this loaf year ’round. 😊
All the best! 🍀🍀🍀🍀
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Yum! I should try this for St. Patrick’s Day.
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That would be great! It’s quite tasty!
Thanks for stopping by… Enjoy your day.🍀
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