Storm Jorge was knocking on my window last Saturday morning, telling me that today was going to be an inside day. Storm Jorge started the weekend with cold high winds, rain, and then large snowflakes. Earlier that week, I mentioned to my house renter that I enjoy cooking and baking and plan to try some Irish recipes, especially Irish soda bread. Later that week she surprised me with an Irish white soda bread mix. Very sweet of her! This mix consists of several ingredients already mixed in the package. Which means, there are few ingredients to add. The real bakers out there might say it’s cheating but I say baby steps. Below is an easy step by step guide for making Irish soda bread.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Odlums soda bread mix
- 12 fl oz- 14 fl oz cold milk
- 1 egg
- 1/3 c raisins
I was able to follow the instructions on the back of the soda bread mix. The steps were simple and total time, including bake time, was 50 minutes. I added three steps of my own which you will see later.
Cooking accessories needed:
- large mixing bowl
- baking sheet or cake tin
- spatula
- measuring cup
- flour shaker
- pastry brush
- small bowl
- cutting board
Sheila’s Instructions:
Step 1: Pre-heat oven to 400*F/200*C. Empty half the contents of the pack into large bowl. 1 lb.
Step 2: Add 12 fl oz-14 fl oz cold milk to large bowl. Mix.
Step 3: Knead the dough a little on a floured surface. Knead in the 1/3 cup raisins. Place in a floured cake tin.
Step 4: Whisk egg in small bowl. Brush egg on top and sides of dough for a golden colour.
Step 5: Cut a cross over the top of dough.
Step 6: Bake for 40 minutes approximately. When baked, the bread will have a hollow sound if tapped on the base.
Step 7: Cool on a wire rack. A tea towel wrapped over the bread at this stage helps to give a softer crust.
Let cool for 10 minutes.
Enjoy!
