Irish Soda Bread

Isn't everyone Irish today? Even if you're not Irish, most people celebrate in some way. Remember when you were a kid you had to wear green or you were pinched? I am originally from Kansas City where they celebrate with one of the largest St. Patricks Day parades in the country. What a party that is!! I've celebrated at more than one parade over the years but never could bring myself to drink green beer! My favorite St. Patrick's Day tradition is Corned Beef and Cabbage. Tim doesn't care for it, so it won't be served at our house tonight. Our St. Patrick's Day treat is Irish Soda Bread with Lime Honey Butter.

I've never made or eaten Irish Soda Bread before. There's tons of recipes out there, ones with raisins, currants, nuts and wheat germ just to name a few. I chose this recipe based on the ingredients we had on hand. While this bread isn't terribly sweet, it is sweeter than I expected. It has a nice taste and texture and would be great with an Irish Stew.

Irish Soda Bread
Recipe Courtesy of All Recipes

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/3 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 cups buttermilk
1/4 cup butter, melted

1.Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
2.Combine flour, baking powder, sugar, salt and baking soda. Blend egg and buttermilk together, and add all at once to the flour mixture. Mix just until moistened. Stir in butter. Pour into prepared pan.
3.Bake for 65 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the bread comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Wrap in foil for several hours, or overnight, for best flavor.

I wanted to add a touch of St. Patty's Day green to this recipe, so I made a Lime Honey Butter to go with it. This butter would be great on chicken or fish.

Honey Lime Butter

1/2 cup soft butter
1 teaspoon lime zest
1 tablespoon honey

Mix butter, zest and honey together until combined.