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I decided to make some Irish soda bread this weekend and searched the internet for a great recipe and to see it there is one out there that is better than mine, or should I say more interesting than mine. Lo and behold I came across a wealth of information on the history of the Irish soda bread. What I thought was Irish soda bread is not and the history behind it makes complete sense.The Irish soda bread recipes that are found on the internet when searched for are called Spotted Dog or Railway Cake.  If it contains eggs, baking powder, sugar, shortening, or raisins it is actually a cake and not a bread. Hmph. Those recipes are delicious but not the traditional Irish soda bread. (Soda would be the giveaway here). Basic traditional soda bread is made with flour, baking soda, salt, and soured milk or buttermilk. Soda is used as the leavening agent. So, if you want to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the traditional Irish Soda Bread use this recipe:

White Soda Bread-Traditional Irish Soda Bread

4 cups of all purpose or cake flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
14 oz. sour milk or buttermilk

1. Grease and flour a cast iron pan. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2. Mix the dry ingredients. Add the milk and knead lightly.
3.Shape the dough into a ball, cut an X on the top and place in the pan.
4. Cover the pan with another pan and bake 30 minutes. Remove cover and bake another 10 miutes until browned.
5. Cover the bread with a towel, sprinkle with a little tap water. This will help keep the bread moist.

Here is the recipe for today’s version of the Irish Soda Bread.

Irish Soda Bread

4-41/2 cups flour
2 tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
4  tbsp. butter
1 cup raisins
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 cups buttermilk

1. Sift together the dry ingredients. Cut in the butter and then stir in the raisins.
2. Add egg and milk and stir. Knead the dough with flour and form a ball, place in a lightly greased cast iron skillet. Cut an X on the top and bake in a 425 degree oven for about 35-45 minutes.