Slainte!

Top of the mornin’ to you! In honor of my favorite green holiday, I am indulging you, sharing a very special recipe in honor of my heritage. My mom has won awards for this, so cherish it! And enjoy St. Patrick’s Day! Irish coffees all around!

Irish Soda Bread

Ingredients:

• 3 c AP flour
• 1/2 c sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 3 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1- 1 1/2 c raisins (boil in water for 5 min., cool and dry with paper towels)
• 2 large eggs/3 medium eggs
• 16 oz sour cream (you’re curious, aren’t you?)
• Butter, for greasing pan

Yields: 2 smaller loaves. It doesn’t matter how many calories are in this, it’s St. Patty’s Day for heaven’s sake!

Oven: 325 degrees F.

Mix together all dry ingredients, sift into large bowl. Add dry, plump raisins to dry mix. In separate bowl, mix eggs and sour cream together until smooth. Add wet mix to dry, mix until combined (3-5 min with hand mixer). Pour mixture into well-greased large cast-iron pan to form round loaf shape. You may also wrap two smaller  skillets/pans with greased foil to form shape of loaf. Place loaves in oven for 50-55 min, testing with toothpick around 45 min. Allow bread to cool, lightly brush top of loaves with butter (optional).

Serve in slices, along with coffee, tea and milk. Double the recipe and share with lucky neighbors and friends.

Thanks Mom!