Classic Irish Soda Bread

Most of the traditional recipes you will find for soda bread instruct you to make a simple white bread made with good flour, a leavening agent, salt and a soured milk or buttermilk. Very few authentic soda breads include raisins. This authentic loaf is prepared in the traditional round shape (8” round) with a deep cross cut through the center to make breaking or cutting it into quarters easy. Great with butter or jam (or both). Lovely toasted. Freezes very well.  $6.50

Auntie Marion’s Soda Bread with Raisins

This is what most Americans think of when they think of soda bread. If you have read Frank McCourt’s books you know that poverty in Ireland was brutal and the luxury of a rich bread with eggs, sugar, oil and heaps of raisins (soaked in tea the night before) was a luxury few could afford. This is not the soda bread of my childhood (or Frank McCourt’s for that matter) but it is a wonderful dense bread, with rich complex flavors. It’s almost cake-like and loaded with raisins. A bit on the sweet side, but not overly so.  This bread is prepared as an 8” rectangular loaf.  A good cup of tea, a bit of butter on the bread and you’re in heaven. Freezes very well.  $9.00

Hooley at Rita’s!

A Hooley is a party, an explosion of fun, a raucous time.  And this bread is a high energy celebration and collaboration of flavors.  As is often the case, the beer is at the center and starts the fun.  The raisins, cinnamon and nutmeg join in, and they’re all in this bread, partying together.  This recipe has been handed down through the generations of a Sligo family and will quickly become your family favorite.  Prepared as an 8” rectangular loaf, it is one you will enjoy morning, noon and night.   $8.50

The Mighty Oat

This is a favorite in my house. My son will eat it all before it has a chance to cool. A wonderful, dense brown loaf. Its simple, light texture is always a surprise to me given the amount of flour and oats go into its preparation. Fabulous for breakfast and perfect with soups and stews. Light enough to be just the right compliment to a cup of tea after a long day. A bit of butter and you’re set. This is a 9” round loaf scored with an X in the center so it can easily be cut into quarters. If there is any leftover (not the case in my house), this bread freezes very well.  $8.50

Lonely Scones

In Ireland, these are a staple when company comes (especially when the “yanks” come to visit); on Sunday afternoons; or on a daily basis in the very posh hotels. A must have with tea in the afternoon. I can’t make southern biscuits (and don’t even ask about sausage gravy), but these scones are wonderful. Available with or without raisins and dusted with a bit of castor sugar. Light, simple, beautiful flavor and texture. Personally, I love them with a bit of butter and a spoonful of blackberry jam.  $6.00 per dozen.

Fond memories. . .

Do you have a fond memory of a bread or cake from your childhood? Or something that your grandmother always made on special occasions? We can make nearly any of the Irish classics. Drop me a note with the name of the bread or pastry or even the key ingredient you remember. We can do some research and try to re-create it for you. My Auntie Nora (pictured here) – truly one of a kind.