Irish Soda Bread has been a tradition in the house of O’Dea every spring. It is served with a pot of hot Irish tea at teatime on St. Patrick’s Day. This brings good luck to those who eat it. Accompanied with Irish Stew or corned beef, Irish soda bread creates the traditional St. Patrick’s Day meal!

Ingredients:

• 6 cups flour
• 1 ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 3 teaspoons salt
• 2 ½ cup buttermilk
• 1 cup regular or golden raisins
• ½ cup currents

Instructions:

Heat oven to 375 degrees and grease a baking sheet. Combine in a large bowl, the dry ingredients; flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir in 1 ½ cup of the buttermilk. Add raisins and currents, and remaining buttermilk. Roll dough into a large ball. Knead for several minutes. Divide the dough into two round loaves. Place the loaves on a greased baking sheet. Cut 1-inch cross on the top of each loaf. Bake for 50 minutes. Loaves should be golden brown when done. Wrap each loaf in a damp cloth and cool for 6 hours.

Slice bread and serve with hot Irish tea!