I made something with buttermilk (and couldn’t even remember what it was until I went searching through the blog) which is why I had leftover buttermilk in the fridge.
When I think buttermilk in the month of March, of course my mind goes directly to Irish Soda Bread. Doesn’t yours???
I have a slight Amazon addiction, which only feeds into my cookbook addiction, which is how I ended up with this new book from Elinor Klivans. Along with 49 other scrumptious looking recipes, she has a recipe for Dark Irish Soda Bread.
I didn’t have any caraway seeds but did throw in a handful of golden raisins.
My dough was super sticky and there was no way that I was going to get a smooth oval.
I but a big X in the middle of the bread and then baked it for 34 minutes.
The bread came out lumpy with a crisp crust.
Just like it’s supposed to!
I kept myself busy while the bread cooled and then immediately sliced it in half.
The middle was doughy and sweet with the slight hint of raisins.
This recipe is fantastic! It will definitely get you in the mood for St. Patty’s Day!
And consider yourself warned, if you find yourself snowed in today with this beautiful bread, it won’t last long!
More St. Patty’s Day Bread
Do you like Irish Soda Bread? Please share your favorite recipe!
Dark Irish Soda Bread
From Fast Breads by Elinor Klivans
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
3/4 cup all purpose flour
1 tbsp dark or light brown sugar
2 tsp caraway seeds
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp Kosher salt
2 tbsp melted unsalted butter
1 tbsp molasses
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup golden raisins (optional)
Directions
Position a rack in the middle of the oven; preheat to 375 degrees. Lightly grease a rimmed baking sheet with softened butter, then sprinkle lightly with whole-wheat flour; tap to discard any excess flour.
Combine both flours, brown sugar, caraway seeds, baking soda and salt in the large bowl of a stand mixer or hand-held electric mixer. Mix to combine on low speed; add the melted butter.
Combine the molasses and the buttermilk, then add to the mixer bowl, on low speed; beat for a minute or two, until a soft dough forms. Gather the dough into a ball and roll it around in the palms of your hands to smooth it; the dough will not be perfectly smooth. Form into an 8-inch long oval and place on the prepared baking sheet. Use a smooth-edge knife to cut a slash about 5 inches long and about 1 inch deep along the length of the loaf.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the bread feels firm and crisp and you can see that the bottom has browned when you lift it carefully. Transfer to a wire rack to cool 10 minutes.
Per author, the bread is best eaten fresh, but I thought it was just as flavorful day 2. Try it in French toast!
Luv What You Do 
It’s such a nice looking bread!! Yum. Yeah–snow day for us–and we’re lovin’ it!! 🙂
So jealous! I got to leave early but did have to go into work. Hope you enjoyed your extra long weekend!
Yum, the bread looks great! I love the addition of the golden raisins (those things are so good!) And the snow is headed our way, ughhh. Maybe I should go out to the store now and buy the ingredients to make this bread!
You definitely should! Hope that you were able to weather the storm safely and comfortably!
Yum!!!!!!! I am so happy my house is totally void of flour right now haha, keeps me from baking!
It’s dangerous to still have so much leftover from holiday baking but I was happy to grab a taste and then share the rest with my friends. Although this is a dangerous recipe : )
Yum!!! Perfect for St Pattys Day! Can’t wait to have some soda bread myself soon.
I love the stuff! It should definitely be made all year round instead of just March : ) Thanks for stopping by!
I have never made my own bread before but this looks so easy and delicious! I think I need to give it a shot one of these days 😉 YUM!
You totally do! Soda bread is so easy and great leftover toasted or as French toast. I love the stuff!
Irish Soda Bread does sound so festive right now! I’ve only baked with buttermilk once, and that was the smelliest thing ever when it went bad. Glad you found a good use for your leftovers!
I think it smells bad even when it’s good : ) Buttermilk is pretty nasty stuff but makes for some awesome bread! Which reminds me I should prob throw the rest away…ha ha!
This looks delicious! I have a slight amazon addiction too 😉
What’s not to love about the place. Everything you need at your finger tips!
Now that I think about it, I don’t think I have ever had soda bread!! I didn’t even really hear about it until last year when I worked at TJ’s and we got some in. OOPS!
How is the TJ’s soda bread? Growing up, we had an Irish neighbor who would bring us some with and without raisins I got hooked!!! I just started making my own recently.
Crusty dense bread just like this is the one thing I miss! Dang gluten! 😉
I know…right?! Homemade bread is the BEST!
i love irish soda bread but I’ve never made it! I always get so excited when i see it in the bakeries
Even better is when the WF samples it!!!
Hope you find some time to make some this March!
I don’t think I have ever had soda bread. Looks awesome!
It is definitely worth trying and so easy to make!!!
I keep debating on whether or not to make Irish Soda Bread for St. Patrick’s Day. Yours looks so good that I think i might give it a try 🙂
You have too!
It’s not St Patty’s Day without it!!!
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