I'm not a fan of using raisins when I bake. So, it goes without saying, I'm not a fan of traditional soda bread with raisins. I like raisins as a snack, especially covered with chocolate—just not cooked or baked in a recipe. So, why not make a soda bread I'd like to eat.
Soda bread is not difficult to make. There are only 4 basic ingredients—flour, baking soda , salt, and buttermilk. My version added 5 tbs butter, which makes everything taste better, 3 tbs brown sugar, and 3/4 cup chocolate chips.
Soda bread dates back to Native Americans who used pearl ash to leaven bread. Pearl ash is a natural form of baking soda. When bicarbonate soda was introduced in the UK in the 1830s, Irish Soda Bread was created. The name comes from the addition of bicarbonate soda.
BASIC RECIPE
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1cup buttermilk
mIx first 3 ingredients then make a well and add buttermilk
Shape into a disk 11/2 inches high
Cut and X in the middle with a knife
Bake at 450 10-15 minutes— should be brown and crusty on outside
Lower oven to 400 and bake for 20–25 minutes.
Stop by tomorrow for a delicious Baileys Brownie recipe
Shortbread is another great Saint Patrick's Day snack
