Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Irish Soda Bread

This week's Tuesdays with Dorie - Baking with Julia is Irish Soda bread. I was so excited for this recipe for a couple of reasons. First, the recipe is super simple and I knew the lil monkey could get in on the fun. And, I was excited to take a shot at making some really delicious bread that I haven't had in quite a while.


My husband and I traveled to Europe in July 2008 and spent a week of our trip driving across the gorgeous Irish country-side (on the left side of some VERY narrow roads). We found Ireland to be such a beautiful place with beautifully kind people. We stayed at Bed and Breakfasts along the way and made memories that I'll never forget. Here's me kissing the Blarney Stone:


That trip will forever hold a special place in my heart. And someday if you buy me a Guinness, I'll tell you the funniest story that happened on our trip. However, it's just not appropiate for a food blog. :)

One last Ireland photo, the Cliffs of Moher:

About this bread, not only is it pretty much the easiest bread ever made but it is really delicious. I baked it just as written without adding any dates or currents like some suggested. Instead, I just cut off big chunks, covered them with jam and savored every crumb. The only thing that could have made it any better would be to have some Clare Jam on hand and pot of Irish tea. (I only had English Breakfast on hand).

Here are a few pictures of the monkey helping. She loves helping and eating the results.

Kneading the dough and rockin' the bedhead.


Ready for the oven!

If you would like to make this easy and yummy bread for yourself, check out Carla and Cathleen for the recipe or buy the book. Don't forget to visit http://www.tuesdayswithdorie.com/ to see how all my buddy bakers fared this week.

Next up: Pizza Rustica on April 3. See you then (if not before)!