An Ode to Irish Soda Bread

I’m proud to be Irish! This week we celebrate the beauty of the Irish heritage. Like many holidays, family and food traditions surround the holiday. My family loves fresh made soda bread! My son even wrote this Ode to Soda Bread during a trip to Ireland:

“If you’re wondering why there is a bite already taken out of the loaf in the pic, you don’t know who is writing this blog.  I couldn’t contain myself.  My first Irish soda bread experience was ecstasy.  I was sitting on the bus and the doughy smell seeped out of my grocery bags and into my nostrils.  I didn’t think twice.  Fumbling through my groceries I found the white bakery bag.  I reached down inside of it and felt for the loaf.  I grabbed a piece of the crust and it fell right off the loaf.  I knew from the way that piece of crust broke from the loaf that it was going to be amazing.  I gave the inner portion of the dough a squeeze.  It was moist. Placing the piece in my mouth, I closed my eyes in transcendent happiness.  When I came to my senses, I remembered I was on the bus and looked around to see if anyone had caught my indulgence.  I was safe.  Soda bread, I declare thee king of breads”

My friend Sally shared a great recipe for Irish Soda Bread, which I made for my family last weekend- try it for yourself!