Irish soda bread

Post 7 years ago From The Kitchen

 

If there is one food I can’t resist, it is definitely irish soda bread.  The subtle sweetness, the texture, just everything about it keeps me whittling away at a loaf sitting on the counter.  This recipe comes from a dear friend that puts a fresh baked loaf in my mailbox every St. Patrick’s Day.  It has become my favorite.  Traditionally baked in a round form, this recipe does well in a regular loaf pan.

3 cups flour

5 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

3 tbsp. Crisco shortening

1 cup sugar

1 cup milk

1 egg

1 cup raisins

1/2 cup golden raisins

Preheat oven to 375F.  In a medium bowl blend together the dry ingredients.  Cut in the shortening.  Add sugar.  Mix thoroughly.  Beat the egg and mix with the milk.  Add this to the dry ingredient mixture.  Batter will be stiff.  Add the raisins and incorporate well.  Sprinkle top with a few teaspoons of sugar.  Turn into a greased loaf pan.  Bake at 375F for 35 to 40 minutes, until lightly golden on top.  Allow to cool before removing from pan.

This recipe can also be divided among mini loaf pans to share with friends or freeze for later.

March 2021

Post 3 years ago General

After a particularly brutal February, weather-wise, March has finally made it’s welcome appearance.  March feels like turning a corner. It may not be spring-like for several week here in the northeast, but at least we can start the countdown! I experimented with forcing crocus bulbs (you may have seen this in a prior post), and could not be more pleased with the results. You can see above, they are a happy little sight in my kitchen window and paired along with other growing bulbs, such as my ranuculus and some fresh potted herbs, it creates a little spring vignette that lifts my spirits every day! I’ve still been busy organizing spaces inside my house and preparing for the outdoor season ahead. Since I know once that comes, indoors will take the back seat. Be sure to look for my hands-down favorite Irish Soda Bread recipe to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and also check back to The Hive Shop. I’ve been adding lots of fun and new items.  March is here, lets start to celebrate all things spring, even if it is still indoors.

March 2020

Post 4 years ago General

March may be coming in like a lion here in the northeast, but thoughts are turning to springtime here in blogger land.  I think everyone is starting to feel the need for warmer temperatures and longer days. I’m finishing off my indoor house projects and organizing my list for work that needs to be done outdoors, as soon as the weather allows. Check out some fun spring decorating ideas in the Decor section.  I’ve added a few new recipes as well and of course my Irish Soda Bread will keep you making more!! The Hive Shop has been updated and offers some beautiful products for your home.  In the meantime, don’t be discouraged if the weather turns unfavorably, March means the countdown is officially on!

March 2018

Post 6 years ago General

 

Photo from Pinterest

Here in the northeast March is definitely coming in like a lion with a nor’easter expected to drop several inches of heavy wet snow.  March can be such a tease, one week sunshine and warmth hinting of the long awaited spring to come and the next…..well, snow and even snowstorms.  Whether you like snow and cold or loathe it, you can bank on March to be the last month for consistent winter weather.  While out for my morning walk the other day, I noticed that familiar clatter that made no mistake the red-winged blackbirds and starlings were back in town.  Slowly, the air is filling with our summer inhabitants and I always welcome their song and busy-ness.  Although it is not quite spring yet, March does allow us to think forward to the warm days ahead and our anticipated projects, gardens, vacations and such.  So while we are still primarily indoors, flip through the blog and perhaps try a new recipe or tackle a small project such as starting seeds indoors.  Make your spring to-do list and know that April is just around the corner.  Also, be sure to check out my Irish Soda Bread recipe.  It is a recipe given to me by a dear friend and I can assure you, it is absolutely delicious!