Irish Soda Bread

The theme International Night in March was, of course, Irish. My neighbor made a Shepherd's pie, we had Irish coffee and Guinness cupcakes with Bailey's-flavored icing. It was phenomenal. I made Irish Soda bread. Sadly, in my, uh excitement, I forgot to take a photo of the finished product. But before we began imbibing, I had the where-with-all to take photos pre-oven. So here it is, the making of the Irish Soda Bread.

I read reviews and decided to use this recipe. It was super simple! I didn't follow it exactly though. I added some chocolate chips because I was afraid it might have no had much flavor otherwise. I was right. I also sprinkled the top with cinnamon, which was a waste. I should have put a couple of teaspoons in. I would also cut the buttermilk amount way back. I had a lot, which you will see in the photos.

 

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup margarine, softened
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup buttermilk

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet.
2. In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt and margarine. Stir in 1 cup of buttermilk and egg. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead slightly. Form dough into a round and place on prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, combine melted butter with 1/4 cup buttermilk; brush loaf with this mixture. Use a sharp knife to cut an 'X' into the top of the loaf.
3. Bake in preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean, about 30 to 50 minutes. You may continue to brush the loaf with the butter mixture while it bakes.
   
   
   
   
   Here are the photos that I did manage to take :)